Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo made their unofficial debuts for Liverpool as pre-season concluded against Como, and Andoni Iraola liked what he saw from the pair.
There were 45 minutes each for Jacquet and Araujo at Anfield, with both having their opportunity to partner Virgil van Dijk ahead of this week’s season opener.
They each impressed in their own right, whether on the ball or off it, offering an injection of confidence after long-standing concerns about the centre-back position.
Iraola’s verdict to LFCTV after the 2-0 win on Sunday evening was short and to the point, but conveyed the satisfaction of seeing both for the first time in a Liverpool shirt.
“Yes, both of them,” Iraola replied when asked whether he was impressed by his two defenders. “I think Jeremy played really well.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 16, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremy Jacquet celebrates after scoring the second goal on his debut during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como 1907 at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 16, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremy Jacquet celebrates after scoring the second goal on his debut during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como 1907 at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“Also, Ronald played really well when he came in. When you have two new faces, first game for both, they do so well.
“It was also a very good performance of Jeremie Frimpong, playing 90 minutes as a right-back, helping us offensively but closing very well his side also.
“So, some good performances at the back.”
They were 45 much-needed minutes for the duo, as Van Dijk had been the lone fit senior specialist up until that point, and it leaves Iraola with a decision to make against Newcastle.
He could still be forced to manage the pair during the Premier League opener, but with another five days of training before then, he will hope one can play well beyond the halftime interval.
Alisson gives Jacquet and Araujo verdict
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 16, 2026: Liverpool's Ronald Araújo challenges for a header during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como 1907 at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 16, 2026: Liverpool's Ronald Araújo challenges for a header during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como 1907 at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Alisson, meanwhile, had one of the best vantage points to see both Jacquet and Araujo up close after playing the full 90 minutes in the second of two matches against Como.
He was equally impressed by what he saw, telling LFCTV: “Both of them played really, really well.
“Jeremy had a great first half, great on the ball, great defending as well, controlling the space in behind [and] in front of him as well. Great, great performance.
“Ronald as well had a really good game in the second half… It’s really good to have a strong centre-back to help the team, in depth as well.
“That’s what we need if we want to compete for the trophies this season. That’s what we want, that’s the mentality of Liverpool players.
“And playing alongside Virgil, I think, is a great thing for them as well, so I’m really happy for them. We’re going to need all the players, [and] the boys did well.”
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