Liverpool 2–3 Monaco: 3 Things We Learned from Anfield Pre-Season Defeat
Liverpool opened their home preparations for the 2026–27 campaign with a frustrating 3–2 defeat against AS Monaco at Anfield.
Despite taking a commanding 2–0 lead late in the first half, the Reds suffered a defensive lapse, conceding three sloppy goals to hand the Ligue 1 side victory. While the result leaves room for improvement, the fixture served a critical purpose: reintegrating key international stars following the post-World Cup break and building match fitness after returning from the pre-season tour of the United States.
Crucial minutes were banked by key figures including Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, and Cody Gakpo as they build toward full match sharpness. Liverpool now turn their attention to a final pre-season test against Como before kicking off their Premier League campaign with an away trip to face Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
Tactical Breakthrough: Isak & Wirtz Unlocked Under Iraola
After testing debuts last season, both Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz are already demonstrating the transformative impact of Andoni Iraola’s arrival at Anfield. Replacing Arne Slot, the Basque manager’s high-octane tactical framework has immediately injected movement and freedom into Liverpool’s forward line. The pairing found vastly increased space in the final third against Monaco, relentlessly pulling the opposition defense out of position and creating regular scoring opportunities.
The opening goal perfectly encapsulated Iraola’s fluid vision. Dropping deeper to initiate the build-up, Isak linked play alongside Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo, and Wirtz before driving forward to finish off a sweeping team move.
While less refined, Liverpool’s second goal highlighted the sheer attacking persistence this new setup produces. A deep cross picked out Gakpo at the back post, and after a goalmouth scramble with Isak, Wirtz was on hand to poke the ball into the net. Driven by the energetic pressing and composure of midfielders like Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai, Liverpool’s attacking focal points are being given the platform to exploit every defensive lapse.
Defensive Gem: Ifeanyi Ndukwe Highlights His Bright Future
Liverpool appear to have a star in the making in teenage defender Ifeanyi Ndukwe, who continued his impressive pre-season form against Monaco following an eye-catching tour of the United States. Ndukwe played 90 minutes against both Wrexham and Leeds while making an impact off the bench against Sunderland during the US tour. Named in the starting lineup against Monaco, the young center-back looked thoroughly composed operating alongside Virgil van Dijk—a captain renowned for elevating the performances of those around him. Ndukwe’s physical presence and supreme comfort on the ball were once again on full display at Anfield.
However, Liverpool face an administrative hurdle: Ndukwe is currently ineligible for Premier League action as he does not yet qualify for a UK work permit. A temporary loan move away from Merseyside looks inevitable this season to help him accumulate senior competitive minutes. While Liverpool have secured Barcelona defender Ronald Araújo on a season-long loan with an option to buy, another full year of top-flight experience could position Ndukwe perfectly to step straight into the Reds’ first-team setup for the 2027–28 campaign.
Defensive Fragility & Squad Depth: Sloppy Errors Cost Liverpool Again
While pre-season results are rarely cause for panic, a concerning pattern is emerging for Liverpool. Just as they did against Leeds United during their US tour, the Reds surrendered a 2–0 lead at Anfield, eventually falling 3–2 to Monaco as second-half substitutions disrupted their rhythm. While holding leads prior to mass personnel changes offers some solace, the defensive lapses on display highlight both individual sloppiness and potential questions surrounding squad depth as Liverpool prepare for a demanding Premier League and Champions League campaign.
The defensive issues were evident across all three Monaco goals. The first came from an uncharacteristic error by Virgil van Dijk, whose late challenge inside the box yielded a penalty—a decision where stepping up earlier to engage Aleksandr Golovin outside the area would have at worst conceded a free-kick. Monaco’s equalizer stemmed from midfield carelessness shortly after Wataru Endō entered the fray: Ryan Gravenberch’s heavy touch surrendered possession near the box before Endō failed to clear. Finally, Monaco’s winner arrived from a set-piece—an area where Liverpool struggled early last season under Arne Slot, proving that Andoni Iraola still has structural work to do before the trip to St James’ Park.
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