As Liverpool's new head coach, Andoni Iraola has a challenging task ahead of him. He must navigate the complexities of a squad that suffered a miserable defence of their Premier League title, while also scouting for potential new signings to refresh the team. The World Cup 2026 provides an intriguing opportunity for Iraola to gather intelligence and formulate his plans for the upcoming season.
One player who has caught Iraola's eye is Florian Wirtz. The German attacking player arrived at Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen last summer for a then-British record fee, but his performance has been underwhelming. Wirtz's talent is undeniable, and Iraola will be keen to find a settled position for him to unlock his full potential. His performance in Germany's opening World Cup game against Curacao, where he showed golden touches, has given Iraola food for thought. The Spaniard will be intrigued by Wirtz's ability to play on the left, a position that could be a solution to Cody Gakpo's poor season in that role.
The Dutch trio of Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, and Cody Gakpo also caught Iraola's attention. Van Dijk, a main pillar of Liverpool's defence, performed well for the Netherlands in their draw with Japan. Gravenberch, a holding midfielder, created Van Dijk's opening goal and provided an assist for Crysencio Summerville. However, Gakpo had a subdued match, and Iraola will be hoping to revive his form after a disappointing season.
Another player who impressed Iraola is Yan Diomande. The 19-year-old RB Leipzig player showed promise in Ivory Coast's win against Ecuador, operating on both flanks and creating chances. Diomande's positive approach and attacking third passes reflect Iraola's track record of moulding younger players. With Liverpool's need to fill the vacancy left by Mohamed Salah, Diomande could be a target for the club.
Alexander Isak, on the other hand, has been a disappointment since his record move to Liverpool. However, his scintillating form in Sweden's win against Tunisia will have thrilled Iraola. Isak's confidence to shoot and awareness on the pitch showed his potential, and with Hugo Ekitike out until next year, Iraola will want Isak in peak condition next season.
In conclusion, Iraola has a lot to consider as he plans for Liverpool's revival. The World Cup provides an opportunity to scout for potential new signings and assess the players he has inherited. With a mix of experienced players and promising youngsters, Iraola has the task of finding the right balance to restore Liverpool's glory days. Personally, I think that with his expertise and track record, Iraola has the potential to make a significant impact on Liverpool's future, but it will take time and careful planning to achieve success.
