Liverpool Begin Preseason Under Iraola

Goalkeepers and New Faces Step Up

The preseason camp opened with several goalkeeping prospects joining the squad at the AXA Training Centre. Giorgi Mamardashvili and Freddie Woodman are set to compete for the starting spot from day one. Young Hungarian keeper Armin Pécsi also trained with the group, giving manager Andoni Iraola extra depth to evaluate.

These fresh faces add competition in a position that saw recent turnover. Iraola will need to sort out who leads the line between the sticks early in the USA leg. The rotations also free up experienced keepers to focus on broader tactical work later.

Defensive Core Takes Shape

At the back, Jérémy Jacquet impressed after a spell with Liverpool’s Under‑21 side and is now expected to join the senior setup. Joe Gomez, new signing Milos Kerkez, and fellow debutant Jeremie Frimpong reported alongside him. The return of Kostas Tsimikas after a loan at Roma adds valuable experience to the mix.

Iraola has a solid foundation to work with, though the defensive unit remains incomplete. The early sessions focus on shape, pressing distances, and basic patterns. This groundwork will be crucial once the full squad assembles in the United States.

Midfield Offers Mix of Experience and Energy

Midfield looks more settled this year. Harvey Elliott returns from his Aston Villa loan and will train with the first team immediately. Established players such as Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, and youngsters Trey Nyoni and James McConnell are also on site.

This blend gives the manager a balance of senior quality and youthful vigor. Iraola’s style demands high intensity, and these players provide both skill and stamina. The competition here could shape who starts the Premier League campaign.

Attack Remains Thin Ahead of USA Tour

Up front, only Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha currently count as established attacking options. Academy talents—Josh Abe, Jayden Danns, Kieran Morrison, Mor Talla Ndiaye, Lewis Koumas, and Will Wright—will battle for spots in the opening weeks.

Preseason offers a rare chance for these youngsters to impress and earn a tour place. One strong performance can open doors for a full season roster. The competition could ultimately redefine Liverpool’s attacking depth.

Photo: IMAGO

Injuries and Future Returns Shape the Squad

Several key players will miss the opening days due to injury. Vítězslav Jaros, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Wataru Endo, Stefan Bajčetić, and Hugo Ekitike are all sidelined. Their absence means Iraola must rely on the limited pool for early drills.

The picture should sharpen once Liverpool reaches the United States. Virgil van Dijk is expected to join the group, as are forwards Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Ryan Gravenberch, and Cody Gakpo. Alisson and Alexis Mac Allister will follow later after World Cup commitments.

What It Means for Iraola’s First Season

Iraola does not need a full complement to set the tone; he wants standards, clarity, and tempo from day one. The partial squad offers a chance to embed his philosophies early. When the missing stars arrive, they will slot into a system already taking shape.

This phased rollout mirrors other recent Premier League transitions, where early-season form often hinges on how quickly new managers settle on a core. Liverpool’s ability to integrate replacements during the USA tour could decide whether the team hits the ground running. The next few weeks will be a proving ground for both regulars and hopeful prospects.