Liverpool Defence In The Crosshairs After Monaco Defeat
Andoni Iraola's first match in charge of Liverpool at Anfield ended in a 3-2 defeat to Monaco, with the Reds' pre-season defensive problems back in focus as Jeremy Jacquet's injury lingers and Ronald Araujo closes in on a loan move.
Monaco come from behind at Anfield
With just two weeks into the start of the season, Andoni Iraola's first match in charge of Liverpool at Anfield ended with a 3-2 defeat to Monaco.
The Reds raced into a two-goal lead thanks to strikes from Alexander Isak and the brilliance of Florian Wirtz, but the French side came from behind and scored a late winner through Paris Brunner.
Defensive alarm bells ring again
Liverpool have conceded 9 goals in 4 pre-season games, with their defence ringing alarm bells again ahead of the season. Alongside Alisson and Cody Gakpo, Van Dijk made his return against Monaco after an extended post-World Cup break.
What Iraola is mulling over currently is who plays alongside the two-time Premier League champion Van Dijk in the heart of defence.
Jacquet still waiting for his Liverpool debut
Jeremy Jacquet was left out of the Liverpool side again as he continues his recovery from shoulder surgery. The 21-year-old arrived from Rennes in a £60million deal in July, having pre-agreed a move to Merseyside in January, but he has yet to feature in pre-season.
With Liverpool's opening game of the season just 14 days away, his lack of minutes is a concern - particularly given the limited options available to play alongside Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool only have Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni, both currently injured. Liverpool will be frustrated that Ndukwe cannot form part of their centre-back contingent this season. The Austrian teenager, signed from Austria Wien, has dazzled during pre-season and did not look out of place partnering van Dijk in the Liverpool backline.
Wataru Endo also spent time at centre-back, but that should be a last resort during the season.
Liverpool was fragile at the back once van Dijk and Ndukwe made way. Their defence was weak last season, and that has yet to be rectified, albeit not helped by Jacquet's absence.
Araujo closes in on Anfield loan move
Liverpool is close to signing Uruguay defender Ronald Araujo on a season-long loan from Barcelona after the Uruguay international had his medicals on Sunday.
The 27-year-old centre-back has helped Barca win La Liga in three of the past four seasons and is under contract until 2031, but only made 11 league starts last season.
The former Barcelona club captain brings a variety of experience, including some aggression and strength in the back line.
Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez took to Twitter to congratulate his national teammate on his move to Anfield.
What's next
Iraola has two pre-season games remaining - a double-header against Como on 16 August - before their Premier League season gets under way.
In two weeks' time, when they begin their top-flight campaign at Newcastle, the question remains as to who will partner Virgil van Dijk at centre-back.