Grading each of Liverpool’s three summer signings on their Premier League debuts against Newcastle
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Liverpool did not look especially good during their Premier League opener against Newcastle on Sunday and, coupled with the club’s fairly quiet transfer window, that has left fans pessimistic about the season.Nevertheless, it was not all doom and gloom at St James’ Park, with Liverpool‘s three new summer signings showing that the Reds have in fact done some good business.Jeremy Jacquet, Ronald Araujo and Victor Munoz all made their official debuts for the club, with each providing some positivity in their performance. Who should be Liverpool’s designated penalty-taker this season?
Plenty of fans seem to think Alexander Isak should have stepped up against Newcastle… Photo Credit: Getty Images/Alfie Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto/Robbie Jay Barratt/AMA Jeremy Jacquet, 70 minutes – Grade: AHaving had to wait almost a full seven months between signing him and seeing him on the pitch, Liverpool fans could not believe how good Jacquet was last week against Como.The Frenchman made himself undroppable for the clash with Newcastle, and he once again looked assured and silky on the ball.His passing drew significant – and deserved – praise from Gary Neville on commentary for Sky Sports, with Jacquet fizzing balls into Liverpool’s midfielders.There were times when he did lose possession unnecessarily, and as Newcastle pressed and harried Liverpool in the first-half he did not always cope perfectly. READ MORE: Lewis Koumas becomes the fourth son of a former Premier League footballer to play for Liverpool since 2020But overall this was hugely positive from Jacquet, with no real faults to point out during his 70 minutes.Hopefully he will have taken another step towards full fitness and will be ready to play the full 90 against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.Victor Munoz, 27 minutes – Grade: AJust like with Jacquet, Liverpool fans have had to wait a while to see Munoz in action, but as with his French counterpart, the Spaniard has not disappointed so far.Andoni Iraola turned to his countryman with Liverpool needing a goal at St James’ Park, and though he did not score, Munoz provided it.Having become comfortable with shackling Rio Ngumoha, Lewis Hall suddenly had a whole new danger to deal with.
It wasn’t all brilliant, and he did frustrate for some periods where he seemed to get his head down rather than up for a pass, but some real signs of encouragement here.Ronald Araujo, 20 minutes: Grade: AAraujo has easily been the least celebrated of Liverpool’s new additions, with some fans actively against his arrival from Barcelona.But the Uruguayan is a top defender on his day, and has shown that during his first two appearances in red.Liverpool were struggling when he came on for Jacquet with 20 minutes to go, but Araujo did not look fazed at all. With him and Jacquet next to each other, Liverpool will surely feel a lot more secure.Great starts for all three show that despite fans wanting more business, the signings they have made have actually settled in very well.