In his latest column, John Aldridge assesses Liverpool's friendly win over Como and pays tribute to Kevin Keegan
Ronald Araujo has arrived from Barcelona to bolster Liverpool's backline
Ronald Araujo has arrived from Barcelona to bolster Liverpool's backline
View Image
There was a mixture of relief and encouragement at seeing Liverpool with two new centre-backs on the pitch on Sunday.
Not knowing exactly what to expect from either Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo meant there were some obvious concerns over whether either would be right for us at the moment.
But both put in a really good shift and it’s allowed supporters to gain a little bit more confidence going into the start of the season this weekend.
Look, I know it was only a friendly against Como and we can never read too much into such fixtures.
However, Jacquet and Araujo looked decent in their own way and it’s already clear why they have been brought to the club. There won't be any worries whichever starts at Newcastle.
Andoni Iraola held his hands up last weekend and admitted Liverpool didn’t have the required fitness levels to get through a full 90 minutes using the approach he wants.
It was pretty much the same story as last season when Arne Slot had the same complaints, which led to criticism of the training methods.
Only the next few months will determine whether or not it’s the players who simply aren’t properly equipped to deal with such an intense style of play last seen under Jurgen Klopp. But these players are all athletes and like machines given their nutrition and how they are meticulously prepared. They should be able to handle it.
Sunday, then, was a step in the right direction with Liverpool able to keep things together for the full match and gain a much-needed clean sheet.
It could well be a case for some players that they are replaced for the final 20 minutes until they get up to speed properly. That’s where the bench will be important to keep the intensity going for the whole match.
I’m not sure of the science behind getting players that fit, but clearly Iraola was able to do it at Bournemouth although that wasn’t while playing twice a week for most weeks.
There is an obvious issue on the right of midfield where Iraola still doesn’t know his best selection with no new right-winger incoming as of yet.
I’m not sure if Lewis Koumas is the answer in the longer term, but he’s had more minutes than anyone in the position during pre-season of late and the manager clearly likes him.
Remembering Kevin Keegan
It’s going to be a very emotional occasion when Liverpool begin their Premier League campaign at Newcastle United on Sunday.
The life and career of Kevin Keegan will rightly be celebrated following his death last month at the age of 75.
I had two heroes when I was growing up as a Liverpool supporter - Roger Hunt and then Kevin Keegan. I used to go watching the team home and away, and I loved Kevin’s strike partnership with John Toshack.
Later in life, I was lucky to meet both Roger and Kevin and they were both brilliant, brilliant people and real gentlemen.
Kevin’s family will see on Sunday exactly how much he meant to supporters of both clubs. I hope the game is a fitting tribute to him.