Iraola has two pre‑season games left, a double‑header against Como on 16 August, before the Premier League season starts at Newcastle. The key question: who will partner Van Dijk at centre‑back? After a break, Van Dijk returned against Monaco with 18‑year‑old Ifeanyi Ndukwe, who will need a loan this season due to work‑permit issues. Liverpool finished with Luke Chambers and Wataru Endo in defence.

Ronald Araujo, 27, completed his medical on Sunday as his season‑long loan from Barcelona—an option to buy for around £47.2m—nears completion, while 21‑year‑old Jeremy Jacquet has yet to train fully after a shoulder injury and a minor knee problem. Liverpool remain optimistic he could start the next weekend.

In programme notes, Iraola said the friendly is a step toward a team fans can identify with. Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak will play key roles, having cost a combined £225m last summer. Their partnership shone in the Monaco loss, with Isak scoring the first goal and Wirtz proving a creative force.

Isak praised the club’s spirit, saying the group is working hard to be ready for the start of the season.