Liverpool’s defensive revival hinges on Jacquet after Como win

Jeremy Jacquet, the 21‑year‑old centre‑back who joined Liverpool from Rennes for a £60 million fee in January, made an unofficial debut in a 2‑0 friendly win over Italian side Como at Anfield on Sunday, instantly easing the Reds’ defensive concerns ahead of the new season. The friendly was played in August.

Defensive doubts lingered two weeks ago

Two weeks ago Liverpool appeared to be in a defensive crisis, with Virgil van Dijk still absent after an extended break and Joe Gomez joining Jeremy Jacquet, Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley in the injury list. Youngster Ifeanyi Ndukwe impressed on the American tour but lacked a work permit for competitive matches.

A fortnight later the picture brightened. Jacquet’s unofficial debut against Como saw him score the second goal before being substituted for Ronald Araujo, confirming his composure and technical ability on his first appearance since February 7 for Rennes.

Liverpool also bolstered the back line by securing Uruguay international Ronald Araujo on a season‑long loan from Barcelona, the versatile defender featuring alongside Jacquet in the friendly.

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Van Dijk has now returned, remaining the most reliable centre‑back in terms of availability, while 19‑year‑old Giovanni Leoni continues his rehabilitation from a long‑term knee injury, targeting a comeback by the end of September.

Next targets: PSG’s attacking duo

The club’s attention now shifts to the wide‑forward positions, with transfer chiefs in talks with Paris Saint‑Germain over Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye, both of whom were absent from the PSG bench in their recent friendly. Securing the French pair is viewed as a crucial step before the looming replacement of Mohamed Salah.

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Cody Gakpo, who scored and assisted in the Como win, has been linked with Tottenham, yet Liverpool insist there are no immediate plans to sell the Dutch winger. New signings Victor Munoz from Osasuna and Alexander Isak, who impressed in a training match, add depth as the squad prepares for the league opener at Newcastle. Munoz was part of the World Cup winners’ squad in the US despite not playing. Football reporter Lewis Steele highlighted the impact of the new arrivals. The report was Updated later that evening.