Chicago: Liverpool concludes US tour with mixed results, Nyoni impresses
Liverpool’s US Tour Concludes
Liverpool has concluded its two-week, three-match pre-season tour in the United States, with the squad returning to the UK on Monday morning. The tour saw the team play in front of over 115,000 supporters across matches in Nashville, New York, and Chicago. Head coach Andoni Iraola, who joined the club this summer as Arne Slot’s successor, reflected on the experience. The team secured wins against Sunderland and Wrexham but faced a 4-2 defeat by Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Following the loss to Leeds United, where Liverpool surrendered a two-goal half-time lead, Iraola stated that it was a useful friendly, offering lessons for both positive and negative aspects of their play. With the opening Premier League match against Newcastle United less than three weeks away, preparations continue on the training field and in the transfer market.
Standout Performers and Areas for Concern
Among the players, 19-year-old midfielder Trey Nyoni emerged as a standout performer during the tour. His performances across the three matches have strengthened his case to remain with the first team rather than being loaned out. Nyoni’s display against Leeds United in the first half, where he won possession and contributed to the team’s attacking play, was particularly noted. He also provided a precise cross in the build-up to Liverpool’s second goal in that match. Iraola has praised Nyoni’s contributions during the tour.
Another impressive young player was Rio Ngumoha, a teenage winger whose strong breakthrough campaign in 2025-26 has positioned him for further development. Despite interest from Bayern Munich earlier in the summer, Liverpool maintained that he was not for sale. Ngumoha scored the decisive goal against Wrexham and caused problems for Leeds while playing on the left flank. His link-up play with Milos Kerkez was also highlighted.
Dominik Szoboszlai, who recently signed a new five-year contract, stepped up as stand-in captain in the absence of several key players, including Virgil van Dijk, who was on World Cup duty. Szoboszlai participated in all three games, demonstrating fitness and sharpness, and scored in the win against Sunderland. He noted that the team learned a lot from the tour, including the need to improve on defending set pieces.
Defender Luke Chambers, 22, also made a strong impression. Pressed into duty at centre-back for all three matches due to defensive depletions, Chambers scored the opening goal against Leeds. His versatility in playing two positions in the back line could influence decisions regarding his loan plans.
Injury Setbacks and Absences
The tour also brought challenges, particularly for Joe Gomez, Liverpool’s longest-serving player. He sustained a muscle injury less than 10 minutes into the opening game against Sunderland, which Iraola indicated could keep him out for approximately a month. This setback occurred despite positive reports on his training leading up to the match. Gomez, 29, has experienced numerous injury setbacks throughout his 11-year tenure at Anfield.
French defender Jeremy Jacquet, acquired from Rennes, was unable to feature during the tour due to fitness concerns. Other players, including Victor Munoz, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, and Alisson, were also absent as they took post-World Cup breaks. Additionally, Wataru Endo, Giovanni Leoni, and Stefan Bajcetic were present but did not play due to ongoing rehabilitation or fitness issues.
During their time in Chicago, some players, including Conor Bradley, Freddie Woodman, Joe Gomez, Curtis Jones, and Kostas Tsimikas, formed a ‘coffee club,’ exploring local shops. Goalkeeper Harvey Davies notably prevented a media camera from being hit by a basketball during a visit to the Chicago Bulls’ United Center facility.
The team’s visit to Chicago also included a press conference with Andoni Iraola and Dominik Szoboszlai, and a visit by Conor Bradley and Freddie Woodman to Mr. Beef, a restaurant made famous by a television show.
The squad’s final days in Chicago were marked by overcast weather and rain, contrasting with earlier conditions, as they prepared for the match against Leeds United.
Source: nytimes.com
Isla Hartley is a Sports Reporter at NewsUK. She covered the British summer of sport from Wimbledon to the Test grounds. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sports Studies from the University of Stirling and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Glasgow, she runs half-marathons and follows Scottish athletics. “The overlooked athlete usually has the better story.”
