Mark Jones

Former Liverpool forward Stan Collymore believes Giorgi Mamardashvili should seek an immediate loan if Andoni Iraola cannot guarantee him meaningful first-team opportunities. Mamardashvili made 20 appearances during his first season after joining from Valencia but deputised for Alisson Becker, who has remained at Liverpool despite links to Juventus and has been appointed vice-captain. Collymore argues that extended time on the bench could damage Mamardashvili's development, reputation and prospects of becoming a regular number one.

Liverpool begin the Premier League season away to Newcastle United with Andoni Iraola facing limited attacking options following Mohamed Salah’s departure. The writers expect Alexander Isak to start against his former club, with Cody Gakpo on the left and Rio Ngumoha on the right, while Florian Wirtz operates behind Isak. New signing Victor Munoz is unlikely to start after a late return to preseason training, and a potential Bradley Barcola deal with Paris Saint-Germain would probably not be completed or integrated in time. Liverpool’s lack of attacking reinforcements, alongside injuries and defensive concerns at Newcastle, could shape the opening fixture.

Everton lost 3-1 to Stuttgart in Germany despite creating numerous first-half chances and seeing Thierno Barry convert a second-half penalty. Stuttgart took the lead through Nartey and extended it with a Ramon Hendriks header before Badredine Bouanani added a late third. Everton goalkeeper Mark Travers made several important saves, while Tyler Dibling and other attackers showed promise. The defeat highlighted defensive vulnerabilities, particularly at full-back and from set pieces, as David Moyes continues preparations for the Premier League opener against Crystal Palace.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has been impressed by the club's young players during the pre-season tour of the United States. Paul Gorst highlights 18-year-old Austrian centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe as a major prospect, although work-permit issues are expected to send him out on loan. Mark Jones identifies Lewis Koumas as the youngster most capable of helping the first team immediately, particularly if Federico Chiesa leaves and Liverpool fail to add attacking depth. Trey Nyoni is also recognized as an established emerging option.

Joe Gomez is expected to miss the start of Liverpool’s season after suffering a muscle injury in the opening minutes of a pre-season win over Sunderland. Andoni Iraola estimates the defender will be unavailable for about a month, though the absence could be shorter or longer depending on his recovery. Liverpool currently have limited centre-back options, but Iraola praised young players including Mor Talla Ndiaye and Ifeanyi Ndukwe, as well as Luke Chambers, for their performances in recent friendlies. He expects returning senior players, including World Cup participants and Virgil van Dijk, to strengthen the squad before Liverpool’s league opener against Newcastle United.

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola says his wingers must be capable of operating on both flanks to make the team less predictable and improve squad flexibility. The emphasis on versatility followed 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha scoring from the right wing in Liverpool's 1-0 pre-season win over Wrexham at New York's Yankee Stadium. Liverpool are also preparing to pursue Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, who primarily plays on the left and is reportedly valued at £140 million.

UEFA and its 55 member associations have unanimously rejected FIFA plans to create a private-investor-backed company to own or operate the World Cup and other competitions. UEFA said no European national teams, including England, will participate in FIFA competitions while the proposals remain active, unless FIFA abandons them completely and provides binding assurances against future private ownership. UEFA argues that investor demands for financial returns would subordinate football’s sporting interests to shareholders and condemns FIFA’s secretive decision-making process.

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola and midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai addressed the media in Chicago during the club’s US pre-season tour. Iraola praised the squad’s progress and younger players after wins over Sunderland and Wrexham, but said senior players still need to integrate and further reinforcements may be required. He confirmed that Joe Gomez has a muscle injury likely to sideline him for about a month, while Alex Isak is expected to receive a full pre-season and Florian Wirtz is being developed in a position behind the striker. Szoboszlai said transfers are not his responsibility and emphasized that Liverpool’s established players must provide leadership following the departures of club legends.

Liverpool face Wrexham in a pre-season friendly at Yankee Stadium after beating Sunderland 4–2. Liverpool Echo writers Mark Jones and Richard Garnett propose different starting line-ups, with both highlighting the club’s shortage of centre-backs and considering Ryan Gravenberch for a defensive role. Trey Nyoni is expected to feature in midfield, while players including Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak could also start or return to action. Wrexham, owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, are preparing for another bid to reach the Premier League after narrowly missing the Championship play-offs.

Sean Dyche clarified that describing Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth style as “lower league football” was intended as a compliment, not a criticism. He praised the team’s direct passing, pressing, wide attacks and hard-working midfield, and said Iraola’s approach could be even more effective at Liverpool because of the club’s higher-quality players. Dyche also compared the style with Liverpool’s use of longer, higher-quality passes toward the end of Jürgen Klopp’s tenure.

Trey Nyoni's impressive 45-minute performance in Liverpool's 4-2 preseason win over Sunderland has strengthened the case for giving the 19-year-old a first-team role. Despite caveats about Sunderland's young second-half lineup, Nyoni completed 86% of his passes, created three chances and made five defensive contributions while playing as the deepest midfielder. With Liverpool already possessing several senior midfielders, the piece argues that retaining Nyoni could be better for his development and save the club from paying inflated transfer fees in an increasingly expensive midfield market.

Micky van de Ven says Tottenham Hotspur’s £237 million summer spending spree and appointment of Roberto De Zerbi demonstrate renewed ambition. After two consecutive 17th-place Premier League finishes and a narrow escape from relegation, Tottenham are targeting a return to European competition. Van de Ven, who has been linked with Liverpool despite no reported approach, expects De Zerbi to introduce a more possession-based and attacking style.

Liverpool youngsters Kieran Morrison and Lewis Koumas praised Andoni Iraola's intense training methods and aggressive pressing style after both scored in Liverpool's 4-2 friendly win over Sunderland in Nashville. Morrison described Iraola's approach as markedly more demanding than previous seasons, while Koumas said the manager immediately provided detailed feedback to improve his pressing. Both players are seeking to earn a place in Iraola's Liverpool plans amid limited attacking options.

Everton drew 0-0 with Bolton Wanderers in their second pre-season friendly. Jarrad Branthwaite returned for 45 minutes and looked assured, while Thierno Barry was lively but missed several chances. The main setback was confirmation that James Garner had undergone groin surgery and may only return to first-team training around the opening week of the Premier League season. Several academy players featured in the second half, and Everton also acknowledged Idrissa Gueye's departure.

New Liverpool defender Jeremy Jacquet says teammates Trey Nyoni, Giovanni Leoni, Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong have helped him settle in after his £60 million move from Rennes. Jacquet praised the warm welcome from supporters and teammates, joking that Frimpong is “off his head.” He is expected to make his first Liverpool appearance in a pre-season match against Sunderland in Nashville.

Liverpool Echo writers propose three possible starting line-ups for Liverpool's pre-season friendly against Sunderland in Nashville, the first match of Andoni Iraola's tenure after Arne Slot's dismissal. With Liverpool's World Cup players absent, the selections combine senior figures such as Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Joe Gomez, Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai with emerging players including Trey Nyoni, Rio Ngumoha, Jeremy Jacquet and Will Wright. The writers differ over whether Federico Chiesa should start, while several expect extensive substitutions during the match.

Ian Rush believes Alexander Isak can return to Liverpool as a transformed player after a difficult first season disrupted by a contested £125 million transfer, limited preseason preparation and a broken leg. Isak impressed for Sweden at the World Cup and is expected to join Liverpool’s preseason tour in the United States, where he could play against Wrexham and Leeds United.

Everton have been urged to pursue AZ Alkmaar striker Troy Parrott, with Andy Townsend arguing that the Republic of Ireland international would outscore Beto and Thierno Barry combined. Parrott has scored 51 goals over the past two Eredivisie seasons and is contrasted with Chelsea’s Liam Delap, who offers greater physicality but has been criticized for his finishing and recent performances. Everton’s Beto and Barry scored 18 goals between them last season, prompting Townsend to present Parrott as a potentially more prolific alternative.

Liverpool seek defensive reinforcements as Andoni Iraola highlights a shortage of fit and experienced players, with centre-back identified as the priority. Writers suggest Ilya Zabarnyi as the most viable option due to his Premier League experience, versatility and past success under Iraola, despite the likelihood of a high transfer fee from Paris Saint-Germain.

Alexis Mac Allister defended Argentina’s conduct after the World Cup final defeat to Spain, explaining that players were overwhelmed by the support of their fans when they turned away from Spain’s trophy celebration. In a lengthy message, he described the emotional impact of the loss, the strength of the team’s bond, and the significance of the supporters’ reactions both in the stadium and upon returning to Buenos Aires. He acknowledged criticism and mockery from other nations’ fans but said it ultimately strengthened Argentine pride.

Severe weather forecasts in Atlanta raised concerns about delays to England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina, but stadium officials confirmed the match will proceed as scheduled due to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s retractable roof. Gates will open three hours before the 8pm UK kick-off, with staff prepared to manage any storm-related issues. The match will be broadcast live on BBC One.

Curtis Jones faces transfer interest from major European clubs, but new Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has made clear he wants the midfielder to stay, praising his talent, personality and local identity. With Jones entering the final year of his contract and considering his career direction, Iraola’s emphasis on valuing homegrown players comes at a pivotal moment. As Liverpool look to strengthen rather than lose more squad members, the manager’s strong endorsement signals the club’s intent to keep Jones and integrate him fully under the new regime.

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola stressed the club must add further signings after the departures of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate. He highlighted the need for more experience despite the arrivals of Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet. Iraola confirmed that Harvey Elliott will have a key opportunity in pre-season following a difficult loan at Aston Villa and emphasized his intent to evaluate the full squad before making decisions on roles and style of play.

Egypt defeated Australia on penalties to secure their first-ever World Cup knockout win, with Mohamed Salah scoring a chipped penalty despite recent injury concerns. The victory, sealed after a 1-1 draw and decisive misses and conversions in the shootout, sparked street celebrations in Dallas as Egypt’s players lifted Salah in triumph. Salah reflected on the historic moment, his leadership role, and the uncertainty of future World Cup appearances, expressing pride in the team’s achievement and empathy for the defeated Australian side.

Emmanuel Petit says Yan Diomande’s likely choice of Paris Saint‑Germain over Liverpool reflects the club’s strong recent recruitment and offers the winger opportunities for development and regular play. Petit also backs Ibrahima Konate to succeed at Real Madrid despite increased pressure, noting his difficult season and loss of place in the France squad but stressing confidence in his quality.

Liverpool weigh whether to pursue a marquee signing or spread spending to add depth as they rebuild under Andoni Iraola. With Mohamed Salah needing a high‑level successor, Bradley Barcola is highlighted as the strongest option, though his signing may be difficult. Strengthening wide areas is seen as essential, with at least two additions needed if Barcola cannot be secured. Recent spending on Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet addresses some needs, but the squad still requires major reinforcement to improve on last season.

Liverpool’s new head coach Andoni Iraola must decide who partners Virgil van Dijk at centre‑back following the arrival of £60m signing Jeremy Jacquet and the return of Giovanni Leoni from injury. With Ibrahima Konate departing for Real Madrid, Iraola’s immediate options are Jacquet, Gomez, Van Dijk and Leoni. Writers assess the likely starter for the Premier League opener at Newcastle, with Jacquet viewed as the emerging favourite due to his potential, fitness, and Liverpool’s significant investment, though Gomez offers experience and Leoni is returning to full fitness. The club’s broader strategy of targeting young defensive talent underpins the discussion.

Liverpool must identify a new vice-captain following Andy Robertson’s departure to Tottenham, with club writers evaluating candidates most likely to deputise for Virgil van Dijk. Joe Gomez, Alisson Becker and Dominik Szoboszlai emerge as leading options, each backed for qualities such as seniority, leadership experience or influence within the squad, while Wataru Endo is mentioned as an outside contender. Writers differ in preference, but all underscore the importance of choosing a player capable of reinforcing leadership during a period of transition at the club.

Liverpool’s preseason offers Harvey Elliott and Trey Nyoni significant opportunities to impress new head coach Andoni Iraola. Elliott, returning from an underwhelming loan at Aston Villa but committed to intensive personal training, aims to reestablish himself as a key option in midfield or attack. Nyoni, turning 19 and previously trusted under Arne Slot, is considered a strong candidate to benefit from Iraola’s willingness to develop young talent. Both players hope to secure meaningful roles amid broader squad changes and a busy summer schedule.