The Ian Doyle talking points after Liverpool go down 3-2 to Monaco in their first of two Anfield friendlies before the new Premier League season kicks off
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 09: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Cody Gakpo of Liverpool holds off Lamine Camara of AS Monaco during the during the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco at Anfield on August 09, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Cody Gakpo of Liverpool holds off Lamine Camara of Monaco during the during the pre-season friendly at Anfield(Image: Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
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This has been a summer of fresh starts at Liverpool. And one player has needed a new beginning more than most.
While so many underwhelmed during the tortuous last season, Cody Gakpo was particularly targeted by sections of a fanbase desperate to unload their frustration and anger while being seduced by the freshness of Rio Ngumoha.
Strong transfer interest from Tottenham Hotspur meant a parting of the ways became an attractive proposition for all concerned. But an impressive World Cup showing and a change in the dugout has prompted a renewed, reinvigorated Gakpo, who served a reminder against Monaco of why he was such a key player in the title-winning campaign of 2024/25.
This a more recognisable Gakpo, using his power and pace in a direct manner to help move Liverpool upfield quickly, an approach that has already become apparent under Andoni Iraola.
And his trademark ability ghost in off the left flank helped set up the second when his header from a deep cross by the busy Lewis Koumas prompted panic in the visiting penalty area.
Ngumoha had to wait until the hour mark before his introduction, intriguingly again posted on the right, while there was a first glimpse on the other flank of £34.5million signing Victor Munoz.
Both will have a major part to play this season. But with Liverpool short of attacking options, they simply cannot contemplate the sale of Gakpo.
Isak heading in right directionAmong the many tasks assumed by Iraola on being appointed Liverpool head coach is one his predecessor Arne Slot will feel he was never truly able to tackle.
Having helped persuade both Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz to make big-money moves to Anfield, injuries and fitness concerns meant Slot rarely had both players available at the same time.
Even when they were, Isak was a pale shadow of the striker that terrorised defences when at Newcastle United while Wirtz was hampered by adaptation issues and a later loss of form.
But with the pair now fit and refreshed for the start of their respective pre-seasons, Iraola has wasted no time giving the partnership an opportunity to prosper.
For the second friendly in succession, Isak led the forward line with Wirtz as the number 10. And while against Leeds United it was Wirtz who found the target, this was the turn of Isak to score at least once, although it was difficult to distinguish who got the final touch between the duo for Liverpool’s second goal.
The opener, though, was beyond dispute, Isak’s confident, decisive finish from Ryan Gravenberch’s pass much more like the player on which the Reds spent £125million.
Isak, encouraged by his World Cup outings for Sweden, appears far more lively and confident, while Wirtz found countless pockets in the number 10 role in the first half.
Iraola won’t be getting carried away. But the signs between his big-money duo are encouraging.
Nyoni can’t capitalise on Jones intrigueMere milliseconds was all it required for the conspiracy theorists to link the absence of Curtis Jones as an obvious sign he has played his last game for Liverpool.
But that the somewhat more prosaic reason of missing as a precaution due to a hip problem did little to quell such speculation underlined the uncertainty that continues to surround the midfielder.
The post-match on-field fume after the win over Wrexham in the United States has exacerbated the discussion, despite Jones being talked up by Iraola last month. Inter remain interested and it wouldn’t be a surprise if Jones ventures to Italy before the summer is out.
With Jones missing, it should have opened the door for others once starting midfield duo Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai - likely to start at Newcastle in a fortnight - made way on the hour.
However, teenager Trey Nyoni was unable to build on his previous impressive pre-season showings as Liverpool, without a real defensive option in the engine room, became disjointed and far too easy to play through.
Harvey Elliott was given a warm ovation by the Anfield crowd but again made negligible impact, which will once more, similar to Jones, raise questions over his long-term future.