Liverpool’s key players are gradually returning to action after a staggered summer break, and manager Andoni Iraola will begin to get a clearer picture of his squad ahead of the 2026/27 season.
On Wednesday night (GMT), Liverpool continued their winning start to pre-season by defeating Wrexham 1-0 at Yankee Stadium in the United States. It was an experimental lineup, featuring youngsters and outlying stars who could play soccer elsewhere in a month or so.
It’s important not to read too much into pre-season – Liverpool lost three straight friendlies in 2019 before a season in which they won the Premier League under Jurgen Klopp – but there are still bright spots.
Iraora’s principles are distinguishable. He’s not like Arne Slot. Fast, front-footed, fearless football is the current trend for the Spaniard and while it’s exciting, he still needs more qualities.
However, the right additions can make a world of difference, such as Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola, who has made encouraging comments in pre-season about the style of football Liverpool will play under Iraola.
Liverpool’s main talking points from pre-season
Liverpool’s squad across the pond is made up mainly of youth stars. Víctor Muñoz, signed for £35.5m from Osasuna in June, has been absent since winning the World Cup with Spain, while centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, signed for £60m, is resting in his new home after injuring his shoulder at Rennes in February.
Could Jaquet link up with compatriot Barcola in the coming weeks? Barcola, 23, has agreed personal terms with Liverpool, who are preparing a formal package to bring him in from France, and his fast Iraola ball style could be perfect for his direct, penetrating attacking edge.
With options limited, Liverpool are inching back toward a discernible brand of play within a title-challenging team. 17-year-old Rio Ngmoha has performed well at Ikegami so far, with Liverpool clinching the title with a win over Wrexham.
He is a really talented player who will challenge Barcola next season and for years to come. His quick dribbling might even surpass that of Les Bleus’ superstars.
Then there’s Trey Nyoni. This teenage midfielder is a supreme talent, there is no doubt about it. Sky Sports analyst Pythagoras in Boots said he was “slippery than a bar of soap” and found it difficult to control play and win the ball while sliding around midfield. There are real players there and Iraola’s past experience developing young ball-playing midfielders like Bournemouth’s Alex Scott definitely bodes well.
It is worth noting that Ngmoha played on the right wing when Liverpool defeated Ryan Reynolds’ passion project. Should I read into it too much? Did Iraora simply unleash him in a mirrored role because he had no choice? Although he was a little rusty, it was a convincing performance and will likely give the new head coach something to consider.
“I think the key is to be unpredictable on both sides,” Ngmoha said a few weeks ago. He’s trying it out now.
Ngumoha and Nyoni were not the only up-and-coming players to attract attention. As FSG suit officials work towards a move for Barcola, another Red youngster has made a statement on the pitch, saying Iraola may already have his version at the club.
Iraola may have found Liverpool’s own Barcola
It is important that Liverpool complete their statement to sign a forward like Barcola. After all, Mohamed Salah doesn’t wear red anymore. But the excitement doesn’t stop there as Iraora knows he has a potential superstar in Ngumoha.
Josh Abe, 16, started for Liverpool against Wrexham and impressed, playing the first 45 minutes on the right wing before coming on as a substitute for Ngmoha.
The youngster was coveted by many of England’s elite players before agreeing to take up a scholarship with Liverpool earlier this year. A pre-contract agreement has been reached, and the three-year contract will begin when he turns 17 in July 2027.
This is the future, but Prime Minister Abe has the world at his feet. Already being compared to Sadio Mane for his ferocious, electric pace style, he made his unofficial debut this week and impressed.
Abe may have missed a huge chance to get his name on the scoresheet, but he shouldn’t read too much into it. It’s easy to criticize a player’s terrible mistakes, but he’s a man with something to prove, whether it’s his run or his combination play with Harvey Elliott.
In fact, what about the confidence and obvious physical qualities that will grow into something even more powerful as he sheds his youth and grows into the skin of his seniority over the next few years?
He has a certain Barkola-esque quality. Comparison with Mane Hammer pointing home. Those comparisons may deepen as Abe gets stronger and clearly grasps the scoring potential hidden in his locker.
Liverpool 1-0 Wrexham | ||
|---|---|---|
match statistics | Abe | envy |
Play time (minutes) | 45 minutes | 45 minutes |
the goal | 0 | 1 |
assist | 0 | 0 |
touch | 16 | 29 |
Number of shots (on target) | 1(1) | 1(1) |
exact path | 5/7 (71%) | 15/16 (94%) |
An opportunity has arisen | 0 | 0 |
cross | 0/0 | 0/1 |
Successful. dribble | 1/2 | 1/4 |
Number of balls collected | 1 | 1 |
Def. contribution | 1 | 0 |
won a duel | 3/4 | 1/6 |
Ngumoha may have scored where Abe missed, but both wingers showed strength and potential on the right wing, and Abe may have perhaps surpassed him in that regard.
The left-footed attacker will have limited opportunities this season, but even if he were to make his senior debut, there is no doubt that Liverpool would have a forward like Barcola at their disposal.
Prime Minister Abe will probably be even more direct than Mr Ngmoha. He cuts into the area at every opportunity, but Ngmoha’s fast dribbling can take him in any direction. In that regard, Abe could be the next version of Barcola if FSG signs a deal and could have him under his wing for the next few years.
