Liverpool Crumble Against Leeds: Three Shocking Lessons From Their Preseason Meltdown

Liverpool wrapped up its U.S. preseason tour on a disappointing note, losing 4–2 to fierce rival Leeds United in Sunday's friendly at Soldier Field in Chicago. It was only the second time since 2001 that Leeds had gotten the better of the Merseyside side.

The Reds headed into halftime with a two-goal cushion, feeling confident about finishing the American leg of their preseason with three consecutive victories to kick off the new campaign and the new era under manager Andoni Iraola. The Whites, however, had other ideas, netting four goals in the second half — with the first three coming in a breathtaking span of under 15 minutes. Dominic Calvert-Lewin bagged a brace from nearly identical long-throw situations into the box, leaving Liverpool deflated and raising serious questions about their ability to correct the same mistakes.

Liverpool supporters can take comfort in the fact that it was an inconsequential match; however, it left a number of issues that need to be addressed. Here are three key takeaways from Liverpool's second-half collapse in Chicago.

Florian Wirtz Is Rewriting His Script

Florian Wirtz returned to Liverpool for his second season with something to prove and a narrative to change.

He struggled during his debut campaign at Anfield, branded a "waste of money" after failing to justify his hefty $156 million (£116 million) price tag. He even acknowledged back in May that "the season hadn't gone as planned." The German attacker's summer was equally frustrating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as Die Mannschaft suffered a shock early exit following a stunning defeat to Paraguay in the round of 32. While Wirtz contributed three assists throughout North America, it wasn't enough to breathe life into Germany and end the nation's recent tournament struggles.

Wirtz left all of that behind, however, earning a starting berth on Sunday and impressing in his first appearance of the new season and the first under new boss Iraola. If Wirtz can sustain the level he showed across his 45 minutes at Soldier Field, he'll shed the "waste of money" label and instead become the cornerstone of Liverpool's bid to reclaim the Premier League title.

A key factor in Wirtz's strong showing was Iraola deploying him in his natural position — the No. 10 role. Though it took him a few moments to find his rhythm, the 23-year-old looked at ease and in his element in the attacking midfield slot. His movement was sharp, creating space through the center of the park, and his creativity shone brightly. It came as little surprise when the playmaker found himself in the ideal position inside the box to collect a cross from Jeremie Frimpong and slot past goalkeeper Alex Cairns, completing a polished team move and giving Liverpool a two-goal lead at the break.

Iraola will be satisfied not only with Wirtz's display, but also with his own decision to unlock Wirtz's potential from the outset. "We need a very good version of Florian," the new manager had said ahead of the friendly. "We know what he can give us. I think he's also suited to our game model."

"I see him more probably in that position behind the striker," he added. "We know that he has played with Germany more on the left sometimes. But, I think we're going to start working with him in that position behind the striker."

Young Talents Give Mixed Performance

Iraola consistently gave his young players opportunities throughout the preseason fixtures, and for the most part, they delivered. 19-year-old Trey Nyoni, who had put in technically impressive performances against both Sunderland and Wrexham from the holding midfield role, once again made his presence felt on Sunday in a strong first-half display.

Nyoni, who was named in the starting eleven, played a key role in the buildup to Wirtz's goal, picking out Frimpong on the far wing with a perfectly-weighted lofted pass. Frimpong needed just one touch to set up Wirtz's run into the box. The teenager's standout performances in the U.S. may well be enough to earn him a regular place in the first team.

In contrast, 18-year-old center back Ifeanyi Ndukwe looked hesitant and uncertain against Leeds, despite having impressed at the back against Wrexham. Liverpool were punished twice from long-throw situations into their defensive third, and while Ndukwe didn't technically lose his man on either occasion, the 6'6" center back should have been organizing the defensive line and ensuring the ball was dealt with. Instead, he appeared tentative and unsure, as did his Liverpool teammates. It may suggest he isn't quite ready to be the commanding defensive presence the first team will need from the bench. Regardless, the Austrian youngster won't be eligible to feature for Liverpool next season due to work permit complications.

18-year-old center back Mor Talla Ndiaye, who replaced Luke Chambers in the second half, also struggled to hold things together, further highlighting concerns over Liverpool's defensive depth.

Missed Opportunity for Liverpool

Through the opening 45 minutes, it appeared Liverpool would be departing the U.S. on a high, boasting a perfect preseason record and an unbeaten start for Iraola. Instead, the Reds board the flight home with a bitter feeling and a host of pressing questions. For starters, does every member of Liverpool's backline struggle with aerial judgment? Both of Leeds' long-ball goals pointed to exactly that, with no defender coming anywhere close to winning the ball in the air. And if midfielder Curtis Jones was content to simply watch the game unfold, why didn't he just grab a seat in the stands? On a more serious note, Liverpool will need to take a hard look at their defensive shape on set-pieces and their second-defender responsibilities.

The defeat isn't catastrophic, given the context of a preseason friendly, and the club may be tempted to attribute the collapse to a wave of substitutions made just moments before Leeds' comeback, which left two teenage center backs holding the line. That said, the second-half implosion exposed real concerns, particularly the lack of cover in the center back position. Iraola will be relieved that there is still ample time to find solutions.

Next up, Liverpool takes on Monaco in a friendly next Sunday at Anfield, before opening their league campaign against Newcastle on August 23 at St. James' Park.