Liverpool has completed its pre-season schedule with Andoni Iraola's side beating Como at Anfield, but what else does the Spaniard need to sort out ahead of facing Newcastle?
Andoni Iraola on the Liverpool bench.
Andoni Iraola on the Liverpool bench.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
One week to go. For Liverpool, the time for pre-season preparations is fast running out, so it is probably a good thing that Andoni Iraola's men looked much fitter against Como this weekend.
"I think we are better than we were last week," the Spaniard said at Anfield on Sunday. "Still, I hope next week we are better than we were today. It's normal, but the first halves are still better than second halves."
But what else has Iraola learned this summer? Liverpool.com has taken a look at the key strands to emerge with the clock ticking down until the new campaign kicks off at St James' Park.
READ MORE: Liverpool player ratings, winners and losers vs Como as Jeremy Jacquet and one more excellent
Trey Nyoni status confirmed
Without question, Trey Nyoni was the standout performer on the US tour.
He used this summer to successfully showcase the kind of poise and composure that he has in possession to a wider audience, with any suggestions of him heading out on loan having been quashed.
It would be a surprise if Nyoni started at Newcastle ahead of Dominik Szoboszlai or Ryan Gravenberch, but he will get plenty of minutes in the months to come regardless.
Whatever happens with Curtis Jones' future in the next few weeks, Nyoni is ready for a role under Iraola. At the age of 19, he already looks way ahead of his years.
Trey Nyoni during Liverpool vs AS Monaco at Anfield.
Trey Nyoni during Liverpool vs AS Monaco at Anfield.(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz connection
There have been a few times when Liverpool's star attacking duo have looked electric alongside one another this summer. In patches, the pair have shown lots of promise.
That was most evident against Monaco, and less so a week later against Como. Wirtz, in particular on that occasion, left you wanted more.
If Liverpool is to be successful under Iraola this term, then Isak and Wirtz are going to need to flourish. The early signs have been promising, even if there is still more work to be done.
Behind them, with Hugo Ekitike out injured and Harvey Elliott and Federico Chiesa unconvincing, there isn't really a great deal else in the number nine and number 10 berths.
Squad depth lacking
In various matches, Liverpool has started well — and looked very promising — only to fall away very quickly in the second half. Physical fitness has been an issue, but so too has the lack of options.
When substitutions have been made, those coming on have not been of starting quality a lot of the time, in large part because of injuries, but also a lack of numbers.
Before the deadline, signing a couple more forwards would make a huge impact, with the pursuit of Bradley Barcola ongoing. Ronald Araujo has added a bit more depth at the back but that won't be enough.
Fitness levels, as Iraola says, are improving. The sheer volume of players that he can rely on needs to as well — and, in fairness, the Reds boss hasn't shied away from admitting that.
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola.
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola.(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Midfield pivot questions
Szoboszlai and Gravenberch appear to be the chosen two at the base of the Liverpool midfield, and while that looks fine on paper, there are legitimate question marks.
"The midfield issue for me is still a huge problem for Liverpool," Jamie Carragher said last week. "The problem Liverpool had last season was there was space everywhere in Liverpool’s midfield. That has not gone away at all.
"That’s only going to get bigger with the deployment of Szoboszlai in midfield — it looks like they’re going to play him, rather than as a No.10, almost as a central midfield player alongside Gravenberch, and that is just pure box-to-box. I look at that midfield three and I worry about Liverpool."
With Wirtz a key man in the team, having come in for such big money, getting the balance right will be crucial. So far, the results have been mixed.
Against Como, Liverpool looked relatively solid. That was against a team with a limited physical presence, however, and most weeks in the Premier League will be a completely different test.
Andoni Iraola settles in
Considering the summer was shorter than one without a major international tournament, Iraola has done as much as he could with his team on the training field.
Slowly, players have come back into the fold following their international exertions, but as of yet, the transfer activity has not ramped up to a level that provides the required level of options across the pitch.
Article continues below
Iraola has come across well in interviews and his players have spoken well about the ideas that he is putting across. The time for talking is nearly over, though: the true barometer of his methods is about to begin.