Jacquet and Araujo Make Their Anfield Bow

Liverpool concluded their pre-season preparations with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Como at Anfield on Sunday, a result that provided a welcome confidence boost for head coach Andoni Iraola and handed debuts to two new centre-backs.

The Reds had earlier played out a goalless draw with the Serie A side in a rotated-lineup friendly at their AXA Training Centre, before the main event under the Anfield lights. Goals from Cody Gakpo and Jeremy Jacquet secured the win, with Gakpo finishing low past Jean Butez from Jeremie Frimpong's 23rd-minute cross, then turning provider for the young French defender on the stroke of half-time after the hosts kept a half-cleared corner alive.

Jacquet, a recent signing from Rennes, played the first 45 minutes alongside Virgil van Dijk before being replaced by Ronald Araujo, who arrived on loan from Barcelona last week. Both new arrivals impressed, with Jacquet winning the most tackles (three) and joint-most duels (seven) in his half of football, while the Uruguayan won five of his seven duels and made the second-most tackles (two).

Iraola: "We Needed This Feeling"

Asked if he was impressed with his new centre-backs, Iraola told Liverpool's website: "Yes, both of them. I think Jeremy played really well. Ronald played really well when he came on. When you have two new faces, and it's the first game for both... they did so well."

The Spaniard also reserved praise for right-back Jeremie Frimpong, who played the full 90 minutes: "It was also a very good performance from Jeremie Frimpong, playing 90 minutes at right-back, helping us offensively but closing his side down very well too. So, some good performances at the back."

Iraola was particularly pleased with the clean sheet, coming just one week before the Premier League opener at Newcastle United: "I think we needed this feeling of finishing with a clean sheet a little bit, and winning the game. The first half was better than the second, but at least we kept our organisation, our composure, and we found a way to finish with a clean sheet, at 2-0. I think we needed this feeling before we start."

Liverpool actually finished with fewer shots (10 to 14) and shots on target (two to four) than their Italian opponents, though they did win the expected goals (xG) battle by 1.59 to 0.61.

Van Dijk: Building Connections Takes Time

Despite the encouraging displays, captain Van Dijk was keen to temper expectations, stressing that forging defensive partnerships is a gradual process that can only truly be tested in competitive matches.

"I think [Jacquet] did well, same as Ronald," Van Dijk said after the win. "It's a start, a good start so hopefully he can crack on. [You build relationships] by playing games. I won't say it's the only way, but games are totally different than training."

The Dutch defender also noted the language dynamic between the new arrivals: "Jeremy's English is, I would say, a bit better than Ronald's but at the end of the day we are all pretty good footballers. We can see and smell some moments on how to defend certain situations."

"But it's pretty clear that you need to form a connection together and that takes a bit of time. In my opinion that's absolutely normal but hopefully we can get that going as quickly as possible," he added.

Van Dijk also noted that Jacquet appeared fatigued by the end of his 45-minute outing: "I think he came out of it a bit tired, but it's absolutely normal when you're playing your first 45 minutes after such a long time. Now it's down to him to recover."

Looking Ahead to Newcastle

Iraola acknowledged there is still work to be done before Sunday's trip to St James' Park, but believes his squad is beginning to grasp his demanding style of play.

"I think everyone understands. We need every player, every time, in every minute and every action – and that's the commitment," he said. "I'm very happy with the attitude of the players. They are training really well. I am asking them to do things that are a little bit different – especially without the ball – and I think they are trying to get it."

"Obviously, now we are still not perfect. We have things to improve, but I'm very happy with their attitude, their willingness to be on the same page, and we will get there."

Van Dijk echoed the focus on the season opener: "We'll be back on the pitch tomorrow morning and then we're working towards Newcastle. St. James' Park will always be a tough one."