Alexander Isak scored as Liverpool lost 3-2 to Monaco in a pre-season friendly on Sunday, with new manager Andoni Iraola's attacking approach getting the best out of the Swedish forward.
Isak has done little to justify his British record £125million transfer fee since joining Liverpool from Newcastle United last summer. He broke his leg just three months into his Liverpool career and looked short of sharpness even when fit, scoring four goals in 22 appearances last season across 1,033 minutes, the equivalent of 11 full matches.
Sunday's game against Monaco was only his second pre-season appearance after returning from the World Cup, where he scored once in four outings for Sweden. Isak capped a slick Liverpool move by taking Ryan Gravenberch's lay-off in his stride and burying it into the bottom corner with his right foot from 18 yards. The goal followed a passage of five one-touch passes that released Isak into space in the penalty area, a hallmark of Iraola's style, which differs from Arne Slot's approach.
Gakpo and Koumas impress in attack
Cody Gakpo was central to Liverpool's attack for an hour, despite being linked with a move to Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur. The Dutchman helped kickstart Liverpool's link-up play and found space at the far post, but was denied by a save from Lukas Hradecky when he tried to convert a cross from Lewis Koumas.
Koumas was preferred to Rio Ngumoha on the opposite flank and impressed as Iraola looks for options to replace Mohamed Salah. The 20-year-old registered four shots and delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area, though he remains a little raw. Federico Chiesa came on for the final 15 minutes.
Liverpool's defensive concerns persist
Jeremy Jacquet was left out of the squad again as he continues his recovery from shoulder surgery. The 21-year-old joined Liverpool from Rennes in a £60million deal in July, having pre-agreed the move in January, but has yet to feature in pre-season. With Liverpool's opening game of the season 14 days away, his lack of minutes is a concern given the club's limited options alongside Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool have only Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni, both currently injured, as understudies at centre-back after Ibrahima Konate left for Real Madrid. Ifeanyi Ndukwe, who started alongside van Dijk on Sunday, has not been granted a work permit and will have to join a European club on loan. Wataru Endo also played at centre-back during the game.
Liverpool's defensive fragility was evident against Monaco, conceding three goals to squander a two-goal lead once van Dijk and Ndukwe were substituted. Liverpool conceded 53 goals in the Premier League last season, a problem yet to be fixed and not helped by Jacquet's absence. Liverpool are making a move for Ronald Araujo on loan from Barcelona, which would add defensive experience and depth should Jacquet's recovery take longer than expected.
Ndukwe's work permit issue
Ndukwe, an Austrian teenager signed from Austria Wien, has impressed throughout pre-season and looked at ease alongside van Dijk. In his 45-minute appearance against Monaco he was composed, unbeaten in his individual duels and flawless on the ball.
However, Ndukwe is ineligible to play competitive fixtures in England because he does not yet qualify for a work permit. Competitive first-team appearances in a European top-flight would strengthen his case for a permit, meaning he is expected to spend this season, or at least its first half, on loan away from Liverpool.
