Liverpool finished pre-season with a **2-0 victory over Como at Anfield**, and while there is still plenty for Andoni Iraola to work on, there were some very encouraging signs ahead of the Premier League opener. Gakpo and debutant Jérémy Jacquet got the goals, while Ronald Araújo also made his first appearance after the break.
Here are my **five biggest talking points** from the win.
This was probably the biggest positive of the afternoon.
**Jérémy Jacquet looked extremely comfortable on his Liverpool debut**, producing an excellent performance alongside Virgil van Dijk and even getting himself on the scoresheet.
He showed composure, strength and good positioning, and receiving a chant from the Kop before scoring made his debut even more memorable.
Then came **Ronald Araújo** in the second half.
The Uruguayan replaced Jacquet and looked equally impressive, particularly as Como began putting Liverpool under more pressure.
Having **Van Dijk, Jacquet and Araújo** competing for places gives Iraola a completely different level of strength and depth at centre-back.
After the defensive problems Liverpool experienced last season, this could prove to be one of the most important areas of improvement.
This was much more like the Liverpool supporters want to see under Iraola.
The Reds moved the ball **quickly and vertically**, particularly during the first half.
There was much more purpose to the attacking play, with players looking to move the ball forward rather than simply keeping possession for the sake of it.
The high press was also noticeably better.
Liverpool were aggressive when they lost the ball and tried to win it back quickly, creating opportunities to attack Como before they could get their defensive shape organised.
That combination of pressing and quick attacking transitions could become a huge part of Iraola’s Liverpool.
There was one concern that couldn’t be ignored.
**The tempo dropped in the second half.**
Some of that was undoubtedly because Como improved after the break and pushed Liverpool deeper, but Liverpool didn’t look quite as intense as they had during the opening 45 minutes.
That’s understandable.
This was only pre-season, and players are still building towards full match fitness.
But with the Premier League opener against Newcastle now just around the corner, Iraola will want his team to be capable of maintaining that intensity for longer periods.
The fitness should improve as the season progresses.
For now, though, **we’re not quite at full speed yet.**
After conceding too many goals during pre-season, this was another major positive.
Liverpool kept a **clean sheet** and, importantly, had to defend for significant periods after half-time as Como attempted to get back into the game.
Rather than panicking, Liverpool defended their advantage.
Alisson looked assured behind them, Van Dijk provided his usual leadership and both Jacquet and Araújo gave very positive impressions.
That’s exactly what Iraola needed to see.
Liverpool’s attacking football is going to attract plenty of attention this season, but if the Reds can combine it with a much more reliable defence, they could become a seriously difficult team to beat.
And finally, **Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak**.
This is the partnership that could get Liverpool supporters dreaming.
Wirtz continually looked for space between the lines, while Isak’s movement gave the German plenty of options to find.
There were already glimpses of an understanding developing between them, and that should only improve with more minutes together.
If Wirtz can consistently supply Isak, and Isak can stay fit and finish the chances that come his way, Liverpool could have a devastating attacking combination.
And then you add **Gakpo, Ngumoha, Frimpong and potentially another new winger** into the equation.
There is plenty of firepower in this Liverpool attack.
It wasn’t perfect.
Liverpool still need to improve their fitness and there were periods in the second half when Como caused problems.
But overall, **2-0 was a very encouraging way to finish pre-season**.
**Jacquet looks like a brilliant addition.**
**Araújo looks like another excellent defensive reinforcement.**
**The attack looked quick and dangerous.**
**The defence finally looked more secure.**
And **Wirtz and Isak could be something very special.**
Now there is only one thing left.
**The real stuff begins next Sunday.**
Newcastle away.
Let’s see what Iraola’s Liverpool can really do.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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