Liverpool’s preseason campaign has taken another unexpected turn after the Reds threw away a two-goal lead against Monaco and eventually suffered a 3-2 defeat.
The result itself should not be treated too seriously, considering the experimental nature of preseason football. However, the second-half collapse exposed some familiar problems, with several fringe players failing to take their opportunity.
For many 12B Sports followers, the biggest concern was not the defeat itself, but the performances of three players who now appear increasingly difficult to fit into the club’s plans.
Wataru Endo was one of the players who came under the most criticism.
The 33-year-old midfielder was introduced as an emergency centre-back and struggled to cope with Monaco’s attacking movement. He was repeatedly targeted by the opposition, with his lack of pace becoming particularly noticeable whenever Monaco increased the tempo.
To be fair, playing Endo at centre-back is hardly his natural position. His strengths have traditionally been his defensive awareness, tackling and ability to protect the midfield rather than defending large spaces behind a high defensive line.
However, that is precisely why his future at Liverpool looks increasingly uncertain.
The Japanese international has never been a guaranteed starter under Liverpool’s recent managers, and his advancing age makes it difficult to see him becoming an important part of a squad built around intensity and athleticism.
With new manager Andoni Iraola looking to introduce his own footballing ideas, Endo may find himself further down the pecking order.
Federico Chiesa was another disappointing substitute.
The Italian winger came on for only around 15 minutes, but failed to make any meaningful impact. He registered no shots, no crosses and completed just two passes during his short appearance.
Of course, judging a player based on such a limited period would be unfair. Nevertheless, Chiesa’s latest cameo reflects a much bigger problem that has followed him since arriving at Anfield.
The former Juventus star was once regarded as one of Serie A’s most dangerous attacking players. His speed, direct running and ability to attack defenders made him a key figure for both club and country.
But injuries and inconsistent form have severely disrupted his career.
Since joining Liverpool, Chiesa has struggled to establish himself as a regular first-team player. With competition for attacking positions becoming even stronger, he needs a dramatic improvement if he wants to convince Iraola that he deserves a place in the squad.
Otherwise, a summer departure could become a realistic solution.
Harvey Elliott’s situation may be even more complicated.
The England midfielder was given only around 14 minutes against Monaco and touched the ball just eight times. There was almost no opportunity for him to influence the match.
His difficult spell did not begin with this preseason game, either.
Elliott spent last season on loan at Aston Villa, but the move failed to produce the breakthrough many expected. Instead of returning to Liverpool with renewed confidence, he now finds himself facing another battle for playing time.
The 23-year-old still possesses technical quality and has shown flashes of creativity throughout his Liverpool career. But potential alone is no longer enough.
Iraola will want players capable of fitting quickly into his tactical system, and Elliott must prove that he can consistently contribute rather than simply waiting for occasional opportunities.
12B Sports football analysis has frequently highlighted the importance of squad depth, but depth only works when fringe players are capable of delivering when called upon.
Liverpool supporters understandably reacted angrily after the Monaco collapse.
The fact that this was only a preseason match means the result should not be exaggerated. Managers use these games to test formations, rotate players and assess youngsters.
But preseason also provides players with an opportunity to change their manager’s opinion.
That is where Endo, Chiesa and Elliott missed their chance.
Liverpool have already invested heavily in reshaping the squad, and Iraola is expected to bring a different tactical identity to the team. If certain players cannot adapt, the club may have to make difficult decisions before the transfer window closes.
Selling fringe players would also create room in the squad and potentially generate funds for further additions.
For supporters, the message is simple: reputation should not protect anyone.
Liverpool’s preseason defeat should not trigger panic, but it has certainly given Iraola plenty to think about.
The starting XI produced encouraging moments, while the second-half replacements struggled to maintain the same level. That difference in quality could become an important issue during a long Premier League and European campaign.
Endo’s age, Chiesa’s lack of consistency and Elliott’s uncertain position all raise legitimate questions about their futures.
The new manager now has to decide whether these players deserve another opportunity or whether Liverpool would be better off moving them on and reinvesting in players who fit his vision.
One bad preseason performance should never determine a player’s future. But when similar concerns have appeared repeatedly, they become harder to ignore.
For Liverpool, the real test begins when the competitive season arrives. And for these three players, the clock may already be ticking.
