Liverpool secured a 1-0 win over Wrexham at New York’s Yankee Stadium, completing a successful two-match pre-season tour of the United States.
Ngumoha scored the solitary goal in the 75th minute after a deflection, delighting the crowd of 42,204 spectators.
Wirtz, Isak, and Gravenberch were omitted from the matchday squad, having remained at the club’s training camp in Chicago since reporting for pre-season the previous weekend.
The three players are expected to be available for the final tour match at Soldier Field against Leeds United, alongside new signing Jeremy Jacquet, who has been regaining fitness after a shoulder operation in February.
Absent key defenders Joe Gomez and Federico Chiesa, Iraola selected a youthful lineup, including eight teenagers, and saw them hold off the Championship side to secure a narrow victory in his return to Yankee Stadium, where he previously played for New York City FC.
Could Ngumoha operate on the right?
The Athletic reported that Liverpool intend to submit an opening offer for Paris Saint‑Germain winger Bradley Barcola.
The French winger is reportedly interested in joining Liverpool, but agreement on a transfer fee—estimated at roughly £145 million—remains uncertain.
While Barcola is undeniably talented, his left‑sided role presents a hurdle for his potential use as Mohamed Salah’s successor.
Liverpool possess several viable options in that position, including Victor Munoz, who arrived from Osasuna last month, the emerging Ngumoha, and the ever‑present Cody Gakpo; Wirtz also operated from the left earlier in the season.
If Barcola joins Liverpool, how will his role be defined? Could Wednesday’s friendly against Wrexham foreshadow his integration?
When Iraola introduced Ngumoha in the second half, he was positioned on the right wing, and the trial proved successful.
Rio Ngumoha was a threat down the right (Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
Ngumoha added energy to a generally tentative match. A recurring theme in Iraola’s opening two friendlies has been the former Chelsea youngster cutting inside from the wing to create space.
The opening goal came when Szoboszlai delivered the ball, and Ngumoha, encouraged by the retreating defense, struck decisively. A deflection from Lewis Brunt sent the ball looping past the helpless goalkeeper Callum Burton.
Ngumoha’s previous season was a standout breakthrough, culminating in his senior England debut before the World Cup. At 17, his performances suggest a potential shift in his role.
Can Elliot’s Anfield career be revived?
When Harvey Elliott completed his deadline‑day transfer to Aston Villa in September, many believed his Liverpool career had ended.
To meet Villa’s profit‑and‑sustainability requirements, Liverpool structured the deal as an initial loan with a £35 million permanent fee contingent on Elliott making ten Premier League appearances in the 2025‑26 season.
The arrangement was seen as a formality, as Elliott sought more regular playing time after dropping down the depth chart under manager Arne Slot.
Elliott’s spell at Villa quickly turned problematic; manager Unai Emery questioned the decision to exercise the buy‑clause, leaving Elliott marginalized. He managed only 277 minutes across nine appearances, including three starts, in all competitions.
Emery called the episode “embarrassing for everyone involved,” and expressed daily apologies to Elliott.
Harvey Elliott endured a lost year at Aston Villa (Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
That year proved challenging, but Elliott has returned to Liverpool, and the new managerial direction offers optimism for revitalising his Anfield prospects.
During the New York match, Elliott displayed renewed enthusiasm, playing a more advanced role in Iraola’s midfield trio and contributing creatively to Liverpool’s attacking moves.
He almost added a goal early in the second half, but Danny Ward — formerly of Liverpool — denied him after a cut‑back from Lewis Koumas.
With the midfield expected to be reinforced by the returns of Wirtz, Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, and potential new signings, it remains uncertain whether Elliott can secure a regular place in Iraola’s plans. Nevertheless, his early performances have demonstrated his abilities to the Basque coach.
Which youngsters impressed?
This match offered an invaluable platform for Liverpool’s emerging talents.
They entered the pitch before a crowd of over 40,000 spectators, which included Hollywood actors and Wrexham co‑owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, as the anthem “You’ll Never Walk Alone” resonated throughout Yankee Stadium.
With senior squad members still on holiday or not fully match‑fit due to injuries, star names were absent. Among the Wrexham participants, Szoboszlai, Milos Kerkez and Ngumoha are expected to start in next month’s Premier League opener against Newcastle United.
The tour has given Liverpool’s youngsters a genuine stage to showcase their abilities. The improvised centre‑back pairing of Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Luke Chambers impressed against more seasoned opponents.
Trey Nyoni also excelled in a holding‑midfield role during the first half; his composure on the ball and precise positioning earned commendation from Iraola.
Yankee Stadium was a grand setting for Liverpool’s youngsters (Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
Iraola praised Nyoni, saying he is technically adept, composed, and reads the game well, noting his effectiveness under pressure and confidence in seeking the ball.
Sixteen‑year‑old winger Josh Abe, who only celebrated his birthday earlier this month, will remember this fortnight for the rest of his career. Though he missed a chance created by Elliott, he has no need to apologise, and his potential is considerable.
Calum Scanlon is also demonstrating his abilities on this tour; even if he does not secure a spot in Iraola’s squad for the upcoming season, his consistent performances are likely to attract numerous loan offers from other clubs.
Iraola noted the team was more cohesive than in the previous match against Sunderland, acknowledging the narrow pitch and limited spaces, while praising the collective nature of the performance.
Iraola expressed satisfaction at fielding many young players, acknowledged the challenges they faced, and said the experience represents progress, with the eventual goal of integrating senior players to be ready for the start of the season.
