Liverpool F.C. Manager Andoni Iraola must finalize his defensive lineup for the Premier League opener against Newcastle United this weekend. The club's preseason has highlighted ongoing concerns at the back, despite the recent loan signing of Ronald Araújo from Barcelona.
Araújo's arrival provides a needed boost for a unit that struggled significantly last season. Key departures like Ibrahima Konaté and Andy Robertson have thinned the ranks, while injuries continue to hamper preparations. Conor Bradley remains out with a knee injury, and Joe Gomez is again battling fitness issues. Young center-back Giovanni Leoni is still recovering from an ACL tear suffered last September.
The left-back position seems settled with Milos Kerkez as the clear first choice following Robertson's exit. Kostas Tsimikas provides backup after returning from a loan spell at Roma. At right-back, Jeremie Frimpong is likely to start the season. He played significant minutes in preseason but questions persist about his defensive reliability. Calvin Ramsay is another option, though he is considered below the required standard.
Virgil van Dijk, now 35, is expected to start at left center-back. His experience remains vital even if his physical dominance has waned. The major decision is who partners him. On paper, Araújo is the strongest candidate due to his elite experience, but new permanent signing Jérémy Jacquet could challenge for the spot once fully integrated. The Frenchman, 21, is returning from his own shoulder and knee problems.
Injuries have exposed a lack of reliable cover in several areas. The right-back situation is particularly precarious with Bradley injured and Gomez unreliable. Araújo offers versatility, having played at right-back before, which could be a temporary solution. In goal, Alisson is the undisputed number one when fit, a status far above deputy Giorgi Mamardashvili.
| Player | Position | Age | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virgil van Dijk | Center-back | 35 | Available |
| Ronald Araújo | Center-back | 27 | Available (on loan) |
| Jérémy Jacquet | Center-back | 21 | Returning from injury |
| Milos Kerkez | Left-back | 22 | Available |
| Jeremie Frimpong | Right-back | 25 | Available |
| Conor Bradley | Right-back | 23 | Injured |
| Joe Gomez | Defender | 29 | Fitness concerns |
Liverpool conceded nine goals in three friendlies against Sunderland, Leeds United, and Monaco, squandering two-goal leads in the latter two defeats. A clean sheet against Wrexham was the only defensive bright spot. These matches underscored the issues Iraola inherited from a leaky campaign under former manager Arne Slot.
The manager must now balance integrating new signings with managing fitness. Jacquet is expected to feature in the final preseason match against Como as he builds match sharpness. Iraola will need to handle the young defender carefully as he adapts to a new league.
The Uruguayan's primary role is at center-back, where his physicality and speed are major assets. His ability to also cover at right-back gives Iraola welcome flexibility during an injury crisis. However, his loan status means he is a short-term solution, and his long-term future at Anfield is uncertain.
His arrival does not fully solve the depth problem at center-back, especially with Van Dijk's advancing age and Leoni's long-term absence. The pressure is on Jacquet to adapt quickly and prove he can be a mainstay for years to come. Liverpool's defensive record last season was among its worst in modern times, so improvement is non-negotiable.
Liverpool begins its Premier League campaign away at Newcastle United on Saturday, September 5th.
