Liverpool brought their pre-season campaign to a strong conclusion with a convincing 2-0 win over Serie A outfit Como at Anfield yesterday evening.
The result will have delighted new manager Andoni Iraola, who should now have a clearer picture of his preferred starting XI ahead of next weekend’s Premier League opener.
Although the Spaniard is still expected to push for further additions before the transfer window closes, the performance highlighted the quality already available within his squad. Several players strengthened their case for regular first-team football, while one in particular appears to have revived his fortunes on Merseyside.
Liverpool’s standout performers against Como
Cody Gakpo looked increasingly likely to leave Liverpool last week, but his latest performance may have given Iraola another reason to keep the Dutch forward around.
The 27-year-old played 73 minutes and opened the scoring with a composed finish from Jeremie Frimpong’s cross. He then turned provider before half-time, capping an energetic display with an assist.
Gakpo looked particularly dangerous when running at Como’s defence, repeatedly beating opponents and creating problems with his movement and technical ability.
Frimpong was another player who impressed throughout the evening. In addition to setting up Gakpo’s goal, the full-back constantly pushed forward and delivered a number of dangerous balls into the box.
His attacking quality has been obvious since arriving at Anfield, but Iraola’s biggest concern will be keeping the 25-year-old fit and available throughout the 2026/27 campaign.
Iraola may already have his next Kroupi
One of Liverpool’s biggest transfer stories this summer has been their interest in PSG winger Bradley Barcola.
Personal terms reportedly aren’t viewed as a major obstacle, but negotiations between the two clubs remain complicated by their differing valuations. A potential deal could cost Liverpool more than £100m.
Barcola could therefore become Iraola’s next major attacking project, following the success he enjoyed with Eli Kroupi during his time at Bournemouth.
However, following the Como victory, Liverpool may already have their own version of Kroupi in the squad — and this time, it is in defence.
Centre-back Jeremy Jacquet made an outstanding first impression during his Anfield debut.
The £60m signing was given just 45 minutes, but that was more than enough to showcase his qualities. Jacquet completed six tackles and won every aerial duel he contested, underlining his strength and defensive awareness.
His composure in possession was equally impressive. The Frenchman completed 45 of his 47 passes and even found the net at the other end.
Jacquet reacted quickest inside the penalty area to finish from Gakpo’s excellent delivery, adding a goal to an already impressive performance.
Journalist Bence Bocsak was quick to praise the defender, describing his display against Como as “phenomenal.”
It is obviously still very early in Jacquet’s Liverpool career, but his debut has already generated plenty of excitement among the supporters. If he can develop under Iraola and reach the sort of levels Kroupi achieved during his breakthrough season, Liverpool could have an elite young talent on their hands.
