Liverpool brought their packed 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 undoubtedly pleased new head coach Andoni Iraola, who should now have a clearer picture of his preferred starting XI ahead of next weekend’s Premier League opener.
While the Spaniard is still expected to strengthen his squad before the transfer window shuts, he already has an exciting group of players at his disposal. Several individuals made strong cases for regular starting spots against Como, with one player in particular seemingly breathing new life into his Liverpool career.
Cody Gakpo looked increasingly likely to leave Anfield last week, but his performance against Como may have convinced Iraola to reconsider. The Dutch winger played 73 minutes and opened his account with a smart finish from Jeremie Frimpong’s cross.
Gakpo also registered an assist before half-time, showcasing plenty of determination and playing as though he had something to prove. His threat was particularly noticeable when running at the Como defence, with the 27-year-old producing several impressive moments and repeatedly gliding past Cesc Fàbregas’ backline.
Frimpong was another standout performer. In addition to setting up Gakpo’s goal, the full-back consistently pushed forward, making dangerous runs and delivering a series of accurate crosses into the box.
The Dutchman’s attacking quality has been clear in recent months, but Iraola’s major concern will be keeping the 25-year-old fit and available throughout the 2026/27 campaign.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s biggest transfer story this summer has been their pursuit of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain. Personal terms reportedly aren’t a major obstacle, with the two clubs instead separated by their respective valuations of the 23-year-old.
A deal could cost Liverpool more than £100 million, potentially making Barcola Iraola’s next Eli Kroupi-style project at Anfield. Kroupi enjoyed an outstanding first Premier League season under the Spaniard and Barcola would hope to achieve similar success if he makes the move.
However, following the Como victory, Iraola may already have discovered another player capable of becoming his next breakout star — centre-back Jeremy Jacquet.
Although the £60 million signing plays a completely different position to Kroupi, the French defender appears ready to make a major impact during his first season in English football.
The match against Como was the first opportunity for Liverpool supporters to see the 21-year-old in action, and Jacquet certainly made a memorable first impression.
Despite playing only the opening 45 minutes, the centre-back immediately demonstrated his quality. He made an impressive six tackles and won every aerial duel he contested, highlighting his strength and effectiveness without the ball.
His performance in possession was equally impressive. Jacquet completed 45 of his 47 passes and even found the net himself.
The Frenchman was left unmarked inside the penalty area before calmly tapping home following an excellent delivery across the box from Gakpo.
Journalist Bence Bocsak was quick to praise the youngster after the game, describing Jacquet’s performance as “phenomenal.”
It is still very early in his Liverpool career, but Jacquet’s impressive debut has already given the Reds faithful plenty of reasons to be excited. If he can reach the kind of levels Kroupi achieved during his first season under Iraola, Liverpool could have an elite talent on their hands.
