Iraola’s Liverpool Takes Shape in Chicago: Key Players Return

Liverpool’s American tour takes a sharper edge on Sunday night in Chicago, where Andoni Iraola chases a third straight win of pre-season and, more importantly, a first real glimpse of his Liverpool in something close to full colour.

Iraola’s Liverpool starts to take shape

The new head coach has eased his way in with victories over Sunderland and Wrexham, rotating heavily, testing combinations, and keeping everyone guessing. Chicago feels different. This is the night some of the big names step out.

Ryan Gravenberch, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak are all available after returning from World Cup duty with their countries. Their arrivals change the mood around the camp: this is no longer just about fitness. It’s about hierarchy, partnerships, and early statements.

There is also the long-awaited sighting of Jeremy Jacquet to consider. Signed for £60m and announced a year ago, his move only went through in June and an injury delayed his introduction. Now, at last, he is in contention to feature, and Iraola must decide whether to throw him straight into the starting XI or manage the moment more cautiously.

Not everyone is ready. Spain’s World Cup winner Victor Munoz remains on an extended break after La Roja’s triumph earlier this month. Cody Gakpo, Virgil van Dijk and Argentina’s Alexis Mac Allister are in the same boat, all still resting after a gruelling summer that ended in glory for some and exhaustion for all.

The flip side is less celebratory. Joe Gomez, injured in the friendly against Sunderland, misses out and could be sidelined when the Premier League season begins. For Iraola, who values aggression and intensity in his back line, that is an early tactical headache.

Rotations, auditions and a new defensive core

Across the opening games, Iraola has refused to settle. Only Giorgi Mamardashvili and Harvey Elliot have started both matches, a clear sign that places are up for grabs and reputations alone will not guarantee minutes.

The right-back spot is one such battleground. Jeremie Frimpong is expected to reclaim his place from Calvin Ramsay, offering the kind of pace and attacking thrust that fits neatly with Iraola’s high-tempo blueprint.

At centre-back, Jacquet’s potential debut is the main storyline. If he starts, he is likely to be paired with one of the academy graduates Luke Chambers, Ifeanyi Ndukwe or Talla Ndiaye. It is a bold mix: a marquee signing stepping into senior life at Liverpool alongside a youngster fighting to prove he belongs at this level. Pre-season is exactly where such experiments live or die.

On the left, there is no such uncertainty. Milos Kerkez, who played under Iraola at Bournemouth, is set to start ahead of Kostas Tsimikas. Familiarity matters in these early weeks, and Kerkez knows what is demanded of a full-back in this system: relentless running, aggressive positioning, and no fear in possession.

Midfield choices and a creative logjam

The midfield picture is no less intriguing. Dominik Szoboszlai, one of Liverpool’s standout performers last season, is in line to start and could be paired with Gravenberch. That combination offers power, running and end product, and would give a first look at how Iraola might structure his engine room when the serious business begins.

If Gravenberch is eased in from the bench, youngsters Trey Nyoni or James McConnell are waiting. Both have impressed in flashes, and both know these minutes are precious. Under a new manager, a strong pre-season can change a career.

Higher up the pitch, Florian Wirtz brings another layer of quality and curiosity. Iraola has confirmed the German playmaker is available, and he may step in for Harvey Elliot. That would shift the creative burden onto a player whose vision and final ball could quickly become central to Liverpool’s attacking identity.

Isak’s chance, Ngumoha’s momentum

Further forward, one name has already forced itself into the conversation. Rio Ngumoha scored the winner against Wrexham and has earned the right to start again. Young, fearless, and riding the confidence of that decisive goal, he embodies the opportunity this pre-season offers.

Then there is Isak. After a difficult debut campaign, the striker needs rhythm, chances and, above all, goals. Chicago might be the first step towards rewriting his Liverpool story. If he starts, every touch will be watched closely, every run measured against the expectations that came with his arrival.

Pre-season friendlies do not decide titles. They do, however, reveal intentions, shape depth charts and hint at the fault lines that may appear when the pressure ramps up. In Chicago, Iraola finally has enough of his core together to show something closer to the real thing.

For Liverpool’s new era, this is where the outline turns into a clearer picture.