Liverpool's summer preparations have raised fresh questions about the club's defensive depth after a chaotic 4-2 defeat to Leeds United in Chicago exposed cracks at the back. The result capped a mixed pre-season tour of the United States, during which Liverpool conceded six goals in three matches — four of them coming in a rapid 25-minute spell during the second half against Leeds.
Manager Andoni Iraola admitted the game, despite the scoreline, offered valuable lessons. "Obviously it's not the result you want but I think it was probably the most useful friendly we played," he said. "In a positive way in the first half and in a negative way in the second half. We've learned a lot and I think we can take good conclusions and solve some things."
Liverpool began the match with a back four of Jeremie Frimpong, Luke Chambers, Ifeanye Ndukwe and Milos Kerkez, before finishing with Calvin Ramsay, Mor Talla Ndiaye, Ndukwe and Kostas Tsimikas. While a similarly inexperienced defense had kept a clean sheet four days earlier against Wrexham in New York, the step up in quality against Leeds — including a strong showing from striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin — proved too much.
Of that Leeds starting back line, only Kerkez looks a genuine contender for regular first-team duty this season. Captain Virgil van Dijk has returned to training, but options to partner him remain limited. Neither Joe Gomez nor new signing Giovanni Leoni is currently available, and Jeremy Jacquet, another summer arrival, did not feature at all during the US tour as the club carefully manages his recovery.
Iraola has repeatedly described his squad as "thin" in defense, a situation compounded by the departures of Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate. While Jacquet and Leoni are highly regarded prospects, neither is battle-tested, and Gomez's fitness history makes him an unreliable stopgap. With the Premier League opener at Newcastle just under three weeks away, Liverpool are widely expected to move for defensive reinforcements, potentially a player capable of covering both center-back and right-back, with Conor Bradley still "way off" a return.
Dominik Szoboszlai, who filled in at right-back last season alongside Curtis Jones, said he was ready to adapt again if needed. "You have to ask the manager, not me," he said. "Last season I played a lot of positions. Let's see. Hopefully he puts me in midfield but if he needs me at right-back, happy to do that."
Former Liverpool captain Phil Thompson pointed to a leadership void following the exits of senior players, suggesting the current squad lacks the vocal presence that helped previous title-winning sides. "That dressing room needs to be tight and they need to lay down some player rules," he said, adding that only Van Dijk and Alisson currently carry that experienced voice, with Szoboszlai among those who must "step up."
Despite the defensive worries, there are signs of progress elsewhere. Liverpool have already added Victor Munoz from Osasuna for £34m, and Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain has emerged as a primary attacking target after missing out on Yan Diomande. PSG value Barcola at around £145m, though Liverpool are believed to be working toward a deal closer to £100m, with the player open to the move.
Midfield options remain relatively strong, with Ryan Gravenberch and Szoboszlai having signed new contracts, and Alexis Mac Allister expected to rebound after an underwhelming campaign. Curtis Jones' potential £35m move to Inter Milan continues to progress, contingent partly on the future of teenager Trey Nyoni.
Liverpool CEO Billy Hogan reiterated that ownership group FSG remains committed to backing the club financially to compete at the highest level. With sporting director Richard Hughes closely monitoring the situation, further additions — particularly in defense — appear increasingly likely before the season begins.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.