Van Dijk Praises New Defenders as Liverpool Looks to Cement a Back-Four Before Premier League Opener

Liverpool closed their 2026 summer preseason with a 2–0 friendly win over Serie A side Como at Anfield. Centre-back Jérémy Jacquet started the first half, scoring the second goal, before Ronald Araújo entered at halftime for his unofficial debut. Captain Virgil van Dijk commented on both performances, noting the need for time to forge a solid partnership at the heart of defence.

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The pre-season campaign featured three wins, two losses and a draw, with Liverpool coping with the departure of Mohamed Salah, a managerial change to Andoni Iraola, and a higher turnover of players out than in. Earlier friendlies against Leeds United and AS Monaco exposed fitness lapses, as Liverpool surrendered 4-2 and 3-2 defeats after leading 2-0 in each match.

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• He added that “more training” is essential to reach the standards needed for the Premier League.

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• Final score: Liverpool 2, Como 0.

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• Goal scorers: Cody Gakpo (first half) and Jérémy Jacquet (second half).

Liverpool 2, Como 0 - Match Recap: Relaxing At The Lake

• Jacquet played 45 minutes before being substituted for Araújo, who also logged 45 minutes.

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• This was Liverpool’s second clean sheet of the summer and the first against top-flight opposition.

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Establishing a reliable centre-back pairing is critical for Liverpool’s defensive stability heading into the 2026-27 Premier League season. With veteran Joe Gomez sidelined and Giovanni Leoni still in ACL rehabilitation, Jacquet and Araújo represent the primary options for the back line. Their ability to develop cohesion quickly could influence Liverpool’s capacity to absorb pressure against high-intensity opponents such as Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea.

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• “I think [Jacquet] did well, same as Ronald,” — Van Dijk

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• “Right now, we probably don’t have much more [than 30 minutes], in terms of the levels required to play like this.” — The Spaniard

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Liverpool’s next competitive challenge is the league opener at Newcastle United’s St James’ Park, scheduled for the first weekend of the 2026-27 Premier League season. The team will aim to translate the defensive progress observed against Como into a resilient performance on the road.

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