Jacquet scores on debut as Liverpool beat Como

Match report as goals from Cody Gakpo and Jeremy Jacquet helped Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool to a 2-0 Anfield win over Como. It was Jacquet’s debut for the club. Liverpool play Newcastle at St James' Park on Super Sunday live on Sky Sports Premier League on August 23

Jeremy Jacquet was the star as Liverpool enjoyed a confidence-boosting 2-0 win over Como in their final pre-season friendly at Anfield.

The 21-year-old defender was making his debut for the club after signing from Rennes in February and marked the occasion by scoring the second goal just before half-time to double the lead for Andoni Iraola's side after Cody Gakpo had fired in the opener.

Gakpo set up Jacquet for his tap-in which proved to be the final act by the French youngster as he made way for fellow new arrival Ronald Araujo at half-time. The tempo dropped and that suited Como who played more of the football in the second half.

Liverpool had contrived to lose a two-goal lead against Monaco last week but there was no repeat - Ryan Gravenberch even hitting the crossbar late on. As well as Gakpo and Jacquet, Jeremie Frimpong and Rio Ngumoha were among those to impress for Iraola's side.

There are others with work to do. Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz both scored against Monaco, but the former Newcastle striker faded here after a striking a post early on, while the German playmaker flattered to deceive. The real stuff begins next Sunday at St James' Park.

8 - POST! Isak strikes a bouncing ball against the foot of the far post

Jacquet's name was read out last when the teams were announced as Anfield gave him a special welcome and the young defender responded with a standout performance. The Frenchman certainly pressed his claims for a start against Newcastle next week.

The first cheers for Jacquet came within 30 seconds as a result of a couple of purposeful passes that indicated his willingness to add some drive to a Liverpool backline that was guilty of being a little bit too sluggish on the ball under Arne Slot last term.

And the crowd were chanting his name a quarter of an hour in when he produced a strong challenge right in front of the Kop before doing well to hold off his man in the follow-up tussle for possession. Jacquet looks serene but there is steel there as well.

It was not flawless. He missed a challenge just before the half-hour mark and needed Frimpong to save him with a covering challenge. There was a clumsy miskicked clearance soon after that he made up for with a crucial interception inside the area.

But the goal, tapping in Gakpo's cross, capped off a fine 45 minutes before he was withdrawn at the break. Araujo has been brought in on loan but Jacquet is seen as the long-term solution at the back for Liverpool and this was a very encouraging start.

The statistics show Ibrahima Konate was quick but it could sometimes take a while for the legs to get going. Now 35, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk needs pace around him in that defence now. In Jacquet, he appears to have found his ideal new partner.

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