Liverpool's quiet revolution: Iraola's Reds find steel and substance at Anfield

Liverpool rounded off their pre-season campaign with a workmanlike 2-0 victory over Como at Anfield, a result that will please the new man in the dugout, Andoni Iraola, as he prepares his side for the serious business ahead. Goals from Cody Gakpo and debutant Jeremy Jacquet were enough to see off Cesc Fabregas' Italian visitors, but beneath the scoreline lies a deeper narrative of transition, uncertainty, and quiet resolve that will resonate with the Anfield faithful.

The match, a curious quirk of scheduling, came after a behind-closed-doors encounter earlier in the day at the AXA Training Centre, which ended goalless. It was a final opportunity for Iraola to assess his squad before the Premier League opener at Newcastle next Sunday, and the Spaniard will have seen much to ponder.

What does the win over Como signal for Liverpool's season ahead?

This was not a performance of dazzling flair, but rather one of disciplined structure and timely interventions, hallmarks of a side being moulded in a new image. The victory, secured with a degree of comfort, offers a glimpse of the pragmatism that may define Liverpool's approach under their new manager. With the transfer window still open and key players linked with exits, the club is navigating a period of significant change, and this result provides a small but welcome measure of stability.

Why was Curtis Jones absent again against Como?

All eyes were on the team sheet for the return of Curtis Jones, yet the midfielder was conspicuous by his absence for the second consecutive match. The 25-year-old's future on Merseyside remains shrouded in uncertainty, with Italian giants Inter Milan reportedly preparing a fresh bid for his services. The player is said to be keen on a move to the San Siro, while the club maintains he is managing a hip problem and trained alone on Sunday. This standoff, a familiar dance in modern football, leaves a question mark over the club's midfield depth as the season looms.

Does Cody Gakpo's performance strengthen his case to stay at Liverpool?

Another player at the centre of transfer speculation is Cody Gakpo, with Tottenham Hotspur understood to be pushing hard to secure his signature. Reports suggest personal terms have already been agreed, yet the Dutch international conducted himself with commendable professionalism. His 23rd-minute goal, a flowing move finished with aplomb, was a timely reminder of his worth. With Mo Salah having departed, the question of whether Liverpool can afford to lose another established forward is a pressing one. Gakpo's display suggested he remains a vital asset, and his commitment to the cause will not have gone unnoticed by the coaching staff.

Who is Jeremy Jacquet and what did he show on his Liverpool debut?

For Jeremy Jacquet, this was a first appearance of pre-season, having recovered from a knee injury. The centre-back, signed from Rennes, made an immediate impression, scoring a simple tap-in from Gakpo's cross just before half-time. Yet his contribution went beyond the goal. He displayed composure on the ball, made crucial challenges, and produced a goal-saving tackle shortly before his strike. His half-time withdrawal, making way for Ronald Araujo's Anfield bow, was a planned change, but the Frenchman had already made his point. He looks a shrewd acquisition, embodying the defensive solidity that British football has long prized.

Is Florian Wirtz living up to his record £116 million price tag?

The conundrum of Florian Wirtz remains. A year on from his then-club-record £116 million move, the German playmaker has yet to fully ignite. Against Como, he showed neat touches but failed to cause sufficient problems with his passing or dribbling. With Alexis Mac Allister nearing a return, questions are being asked about Wirtz's starting berth. Given time, a fruitful partnership with Alexander Isak may well blossom, but for now, there is a sense that the team's rhythm might be better served by pushing Dominik Szoboszlai further forward. Patience, a virtue in short supply in modern football, will be required.

What are Liverpool's key selection decisions before facing Newcastle?

Pre-season is now complete, with Liverpool emerging from their six friendlies with three wins, two defeats, and a draw. The focus now shifts to St James' Park and a Newcastle side that has undergone its own summer of change. Iraola faces several selection headaches, not least the potential availability of Bradley Barcola, Liverpool's top transfer target. The Paris Saint-Germain forward is valued at £145 million, and with the window closing in just over two weeks, there is a growing sense that PSG might be tempted to do business. Whether the club can secure his signature remains to be seen, but the coming days will be crucial.

As the new season beckons, Liverpool stand at a crossroads. The departure of key figures and the arrival of a new manager signal a period of reinvention. The performance against Como, solid if unspectacular, suggests a side being built on firm foundations. The test of character will come in the cauldron of Tyneside, where the true measure of this team's resolve will be revealed. For now, there is cautious optimism, a sentiment befitting a club that has always prided itself on its resilience and its ability to rise to the occasion.