Liverpool player ratings, winners and losers vs Sunderland as Dominik Szoboszlai and 7 more impress - Liverpool.com

What the report says

Liverpool.com reported that Liverpool opened the Andoni Iraola era with a preseason win over Sunderland in Nashville on July 26, 2026, in a high-scoring match featuring several academy players. The outlet said 19-year-old Kieran Morrison put Liverpool ahead early with a curling finish, before Enzo Le Fee equalized for Sunderland. In the second half, Dominik Szoboszlai and Federico Chiesa scored for Liverpool, with Timur Tuterov also on target for Sunderland, before Lewis Koumas added a late Liverpool goal.

The report framed Szoboszlai as one of the standout senior players, noting his pressing, tackling and second-half captaincy, while also highlighting Chiesa’s composed finish. Among the younger players, Liverpool.com praised Morrison, Rio Ngumoha, Trey Nyoni, Koumas, Mor Talla Ndiaye and Ifeanyi Ndukwe. Ndiaye and Ndukwe were singled out as especially composed at center-back despite their youth, with the article suggesting loan moves may now be more appropriate than another under-21 season.

The main concern identified was Joe Gomez’s fitness. Gomez captained the side but left after only seven minutes with what appeared to be a muscle problem. Liverpool.com noted that the defensive group was already short, with Jeremy Jacquet absent as a precaution, Conor Bradley not close to returning, Giovanni Leoni still recovering and Virgil van Dijk on holiday.

The match matters mainly as an early indicator of squad depth under Iraola. While preseason performances are not definitive, the outlet presented the game as a useful audition for fringe players and prospects seeking roles before the competitive season.