Liverpool’s new manager Andoni Iraola will step onto the Premier League stage for the first time this Sunday, as his side opens the season against Newcastle United.
The lineup he selects will be scrutinised for the debut of several summer acquisitions, with Virgil van Dijk anchoring the defence alongside the promising Jérémy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni, while the right‑back spot is likely to be taken by Jeremie Frimpong after injury setbacks for Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez.
Among the fresh faces, 21‑year‑old Jérémy Jacquet made his first competitive appearance in a recent 2–0 victory over Como, and 17‑year‑old Rio Ngumoha is expected to feature on the right wing despite preferring the left, adding youthful dynamism to the attack.
Veteran Dominik Szoboszlai, crowned Liverpool’s Player of the Season in December 2023, will look to continue his consistent performances, while Florian Wirtz, a technically gifted midfielder, hopes to flourish under Iraola’s tactical guidance.
Cody Gakpo’s future remains unsettled, with Tottenham Hotspur said to be monitoring his situation, and Alexander Isak will return to St James’ Park for his first competitive match since his summer departure, a fixture that could greet him with mixed reactions from the crowd.
The Tactical Test
Iraola’s philosophy emphasises high pressing and fluid wing play, a contrast to the more pragmatic approaches of recent seasons, and the early results will reveal how quickly the squad can adapt to his ideas.
Injuries have limited the defensive options, forcing the coaching staff to rely on younger players and to experiment with partnerships at centre‑back, while the midfield balance will hinge on the chemistry between Szoboszlai and Wirtz.
The match also serves as a litmus test for the club’s transfer strategy, as the integration of new signings alongside home‑grown talent will indicate whether the board’s recruitment plan can translate into on‑field cohesion.
Looking Ahead
Regardless of the outcome, the opening encounter will shape expectations for the months to come, influencing both the club’s ambitions and the narrative surrounding Iraola’s long‑term project at Anfield.