One thing that has really struck me about Liverpool’s squad going into the new Premier League season is just how many players could be asked to make a significant impact despite having limited Premier League experience.
And that could become one of the biggest challenges for Andoni Iraola.
Liverpool have brought in exciting players and have a number of talented youngsters pushing for first-team opportunities, but there is a huge difference between looking good in pre-season and performing consistently in the Premier League.
The Premier League doesn’t give you time to settle.
Jacquet is about to discover the difference
Jeremy Jacquet has already given Liverpool supporters plenty of encouragement.
His debut against Como was extremely impressive, and he looked composed, aggressive and comfortable on the ball.
But the Premier League will be a completely different test.
The 20-year-old arrived from Rennes having made just 33 senior appearances in France, with 21 coming last season. He also spent a season on loan at Clermont Foot. ([Liverpool FC](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/liverpool-complete-signing-jeremy-jacquet/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
He has never experienced the intensity of a Premier League campaign.
That doesn’t mean he won’t succeed.
It simply means there will inevitably be a learning curve.
Victor Muñoz is another interesting case
Liverpool have also added Victor Muñoz, who has been brought in to strengthen the attacking options.
He has plenty of experience in Spanish football, but the Premier League is a completely different environment.
The speed of the game.
The physicality.
The relentless schedule.
The pressure.
It will take time to adapt.
And Liverpool supporters shouldn’t expect every new signing to immediately look like a £50m established Premier League player.
Then there are the youngsters
This is where things get particularly interesting.
Liverpool have a number of youngsters who could potentially feature for Iraola this season.
Trey Nyoni.
Rio Ngumoha.
Lewis Koumas.
James McConnell.
Luke Chambers.
There is plenty of talent there, but most have very little Premier League football between them.
That could be exciting.
It could also be risky.
Iraola has to find the balance
This is where I think Iraola’s management will be crucial.
You can’t simply throw five or six inexperienced players into the team and expect everything to work immediately.
But you also can’t refuse to play them because they’re young.
The manager needs to find the right moments.
Give them 15 minutes when Liverpool are comfortable.
Start them in the right matches.
Protect them when necessary.
And most importantly, trust them.
The good thing is that Iraola has already shown during pre-season that he is willing to give young players opportunities.
Experience is still absolutely vital
This is why players such as Virgil van Dijk, Alisson, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai are going to be so important.
When you’re introducing inexperienced players into the Premier League, you need experienced footballers around them.
Players who can take responsibility when things aren’t going well.
Players who understand how to manage a difficult away game.
Players who know when to slow things down and when to attack.
That’s particularly important because Liverpool are also trying to adapt to a new manager and a new tactical approach.
And the schedule won’t wait
Liverpool’s season begins with a difficult trip to Newcastle.
There will be no gentle introduction.
Then comes the Champions League, domestic cups and the inevitable run of fixtures where games come every three or four days.
That’s when squad depth becomes absolutely critical.
And it’s one reason I still believe Liverpool should be looking to add more experience before the transfer window closes.
Recent reports have suggested Iraola wants further attacking reinforcements, while Liverpool’s midfield depth has also become a talking point following Curtis Jones’ departure.
But this could also be the exciting part
There is another way of looking at it.
Liverpool could have a new generation of players ready to announce themselves.
Nyoni has already impressed during pre-season.
Ngumoha is expected to have a prominent role.
Koumas has shown he can compete around the first team.
Jacquet has already made a very encouraging first impression.
If even two or three of these players establish themselves this season, Liverpool could suddenly have the foundations of another exciting team.
That’s the gamble Iraola is taking.
Liverpool have experience.
They also have enormous potential.
The challenge is making sure the inexperienced players aren’t asked to carry too much responsibility too quickly.
Because the Premier League will expose weaknesses.
But if Iraola gets the balance right, those same inexperienced players could become some of the biggest success stories of his first season.
Liverpool have plenty of players who still have something to prove in the Premier League.
And I’m genuinely excited to see who steps up.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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