Liverpool collapse to 4-2 defeat against Leeds in Chicago friendly, exposing defensive frailties
A 2-0 lead evaporated in 25 second-half minutes as Leeds United scored four times at Soldier Field, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting twice, highlighting Liverpool's urgent need for defensive signings before the Premier League season.
Liverpool's pre-season friendly against Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago ended in a 4-2 defeat after a second-half collapse. Andoni Iraola's side led 2-0 at the break through goals from Luke Chambers and Florian Wirtz, but Leeds struck three times in 13 minutes after the restart. Brenden Aaronson pulled one back, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored twice, including an unmarked finish from a long throw. A late fourth sealed the win for Leeds.
The result exposed Liverpool's defensive shortages. Captain Virgil van Dijk is absent following the World Cup, Joe Gomez picked up a muscle injury in the first friendly, and new signing Jeremy Jacquet has not been risked due to discomfort in training. Teenage centre-backs Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mor Talla Ndiaye have been pressed into action, while left-back Chambers has also filled in centrally. The club is pursuing Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola as a replacement for Mohamed Salah, but the need for defensive reinforcements is acute with the Premier League season three weeks away.
