Liverpool continued their positive pre-season under new head coach Andoni Iraola with a 1-0 victory over Wrexham at New York’s Yankee Stadium, where teenage winger Rio Ngumoha scored the decisive goal in front of more than 42,000 fans.
The match marked a return to familiar surroundings for Iraola, who ended his playing career with New York City FC in 2016. Back then, he made his final appearance at the same stadium in front of just over 28,000 spectators. This time, he returned as Liverpool manager to a much larger crowd of 42,204.
Liverpool’s trip to New York was not without complications. The squad’s scheduled flight from Chicago was cancelled on Tuesday due to unsafe weather conditions, with the team already on the runway before being informed they would not be travelling. They eventually arrived safely on Wednesday, just in time for the match.
After Saturday’s 4-2 victory over Sunderland, Iraola said he wanted to see greater cohesion from his players, and he felt his side delivered.
“We looked more like a team and played more collectively,” the Liverpool boss said after the final whistle.
Several young players impressed during the win. Midfielder Trey Nyoni once again displayed composure in possession, regularly demanding the ball under pressure and driving Liverpool forward. Iraola praised the 19-year-old’s confidence and calmness, describing those qualities as particularly valuable in central midfield.
Defensively, Liverpool kept a clean sheet despite fielding an inexperienced central defensive pairing of 19-year-old Ifeanye Ndukwe and 22-year-old Luke Chambers. Iraola highlighted Chambers’ display against Wrexham’s physical attack, saying the defender handled difficult situations well while also contributing in possession.
Sixteen-year-old Josh Abe also caught the eye with his movement despite missing an early opportunity.
Liverpool were without several key players, including Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Ryan Gravenberch and Jeremy Jacquet, all of whom remained in Chicago as part of their fitness programme. Iraola confirmed the quartet is expected to feature in Sunday’s friendly against Leeds United.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are preparing a move for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola. The Premier League club has admired the France international for some time and previously explored a deal before deciding not to limit Ngumoha’s pathway into the first team.
With Mohamed Salah no longer at the club, Liverpool’s priorities have shifted. Ngumoha demonstrated his versatility by operating on the right wing after coming on at half-time before scoring, reinforcing plans for him to feature on both flanks this season.
The youngster said the coaching staff have encouraged him to play naturally, whether cutting inside or attacking the outside, while continuing to develop his ability to play across the frontline.
Although Ngumoha is regarded as one of Liverpool’s brightest prospects, the club is also seeking immediate attacking quality. Barcola, 23, would provide proven experience after making 152 appearances for PSG, scoring 39 goals and registering 37 assists, making him one of Liverpool’s leading targets as Iraola continues to reshape his squad.