Liverpool's playing roster had plenty of winners and losers across the whole of preseason, as Andoni Iraola considers his options moving forward for the campaign ahead
Andoni Iraola had plenty of winners and losers in the Liverpool team from preseason
Andoni Iraola had plenty of winners and losers in the Liverpool team from preseason(Image: (Photo by Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images))
Preseason is drawing to a close for Liverpool, with the first taste of real competitive action just around the corner for the team and new boss Andoni Iraola.
It was a bit of a mixed training camp for the manager, which wasn't without its problems, as he was required to navigate through some tricky spells in his first few weeks in charge. The Reds have had a phased return to action, with the World Cup wreaking havoc for plenty of teams, as key stars featured at different times in the preparation period.
Barring those who are injured, everyone is now available to Iraola, with the Liverpool boss overseeing six friendly matches across the summer, with three wins, one draw, and two defeats across those clashes. So, with the preseason now ending, here's a look at the biggest winners and losers in the team from the training preparations.
Winner — Trey Nyoni
Perhaps one of the standout stars of the Liverpool preseason training camp, Trey Nyoni certainly made his mark in midfield for Iraola, particularly on the U.S. tour. The academy starlet picked up more minutes in preseason than he managed last season, pointing to just how much he has been trusted so far.
The 19-year-old possesses plenty of calm and poise on the ball, something that is required amidst the chaos of an Iraola system that can leave players running all over the place. While it's unlikely that he will be a guaranteed starter this season, Nyoni has proven he is more than capable of taking on some serious minutes when it matters, and could add another dimension to the midfield moving forward.
Winner —Dominik Szoboszlai
Dominik Szoboszlai looked back to his best again in preseason, picking up a goal and two assists in the first two matches, returning in fine physical condition.
Dominik Szoboszlai impressed during preseason
Dominik Szoboszlai impressed during preseason(Image: Getty)
The lack of a World Cup campaign could be a blessing in disguise for the 25-year-old, who is fresh off signing a new contract at Liverpool and could be handed a new leadership role in the process. If he can continue to take some of his preseason form and fitness into the new season, then he will be able to get back to his very best once again.
Winner — Rio Ngumoha
There is still work for Rio Ngumoha to do, but the preseason provided another interesting test for the youngster to pass under a new manager.
The winger was placed on the right flank for much of the summer, where he showed glimpses of being able to perform there instead of his usual left-wing position. Ngumoha picked up one goal during the training camp, and while he will be looking for even more output this coming season, expect even more minutes to come his way under Iraola.
Loser — Curtis Jones
It's been a difficult summer for Curtis Jones, who has been heavily linked with a transfer to Inter Milan that hasn't fully materialized just yet.
The star wasn't quite at his best for Liverpool in the preseason tour of the US, which wasn't helped by a visible argument surrounding the captaincy armband. Since returning from the U.S., Jones hasn't been involved as he continues to work through a slight hip issue, but it's unclear whether he will now play any part for the Reds moving forward.
Loser — Harvey Elliott
It's tough not to feel sorry for Harvey Elliott. The playmaker never expected to return to Liverpool after making a move to Aston Villa on loan with an obligation to buy after a small number of matches.
Harvey Elliott struggled during the preseason
Harvey Elliott struggled during the preseason(Image: Getty Images)
That obligation was never met, however, and his return to Merseyside has come with a fresh challenge ahead. The 23-year-old had the chance to earn a place under Iraola, but it seems as though he hasn't managed to do that. It means an exit could be on the cards, with just one year remaining on his contract, as the transfer window enters the final few weeks.
Loser — Joe Gomez
Joe Gomez is a useful depth option for Liverpool when fit and available, but his injury issues have become a clear problem at a time when the roster is thin on options. Just minutes into the opening match of the preseason, the defender suffered another muscular injury that will now see him out of action for at least the opening clash of the Premier League season.
With Liverpool bolstering the backline this summer, Gomez's inability to take the opportunity to show his reliability could come as a huge blow. As he enters the final year of his contract, there may be question marks surrounding a renewal.
Loser — Giorgi Mamardashvili
The goalkeeping department is an area that could see significant change in the next year, as Alisson Becker enters the final 12 months of his contract. Giorgi Mamardashvili was signed with the idea of him becoming the eventual number-one between the sticks, but he has done little to convince others that he can do that.
The shot-stopper showed his usual frailties in the preseason tour, while Alisson's return has added a calming presence at the back. It's unclear whether Mamardashvili will be able to claim that No. 1 shirt for himself in the future, but the chances to do so are running out.