The weight of expectation at Anfield is immense, and for new boss Andoni Iraola, the challenge starts now. Taking the reins at Liverpool after a turbulent season, Iraola inherits a squad with immense potential but also glaring issues that demand immediate attention. The Spaniard's tactical acumen will be tested as he navigates key personnel dilemmas and tactical overhauls.
Iraola's Anfield In-Tray: Key Priorities
- Reigniting Alexander Isak's scoring touch and ensuring his fitness.
- Unlocking Florian Wirtz's creative genius in midfield.
- Finding a worthy successor to the legendary Mohamed Salah on the right wing.
- Stabilizing the defense, particularly integrating new signing Jeremy Jacquet.
- Convincing a pivotal player, Alisson Becker, to remain at the club for another year.
Reigniting the Striker's Spark: Can Iraola Unleash Isak?
Few players are as frustratingly brilliant as Alexander Isak. The Sweden international possesses all the tools to be a Premier League superstar, yet injuries have consistently derailed his Liverpool career. With just 13 starts last season, a four-goal campaign for a British-record signing is simply unacceptable.
While managers usually dread losing key players to international duty, a robust showing for Sweden at the World Cup could be precisely what Isak needs. Crucial minutes, restored confidence, and a few goals could provide the momentum he desperately requires. The early signs are promising, with a stunning goal in a friendly against Norway already under his belt.
Andoni Iraola knows a thing or two about getting the best out of forwards, as seen with Eli Junior Kroupi at Bournemouth. If he can bring the prolific Newcastle version of Isak to Anfield, it would be a monumental boost. The priority for Iraola will be integrating Isak into his high-pressing system, ensuring both fitness and tactical understanding.
The Wirtz Conundrum: Unlocking Midfield Mastery
Another player whose immense talent remains largely untapped is Florian Wirtz. The £100m acquisition from Bayer Leverkusen has offered tantalizing glimpses of genius, particularly in tandem with Hugo Ekitike or providing a superb assist for Isak against Tottenham before the striker's season-ending injury.
However, Wirtz has too often faded in crucial matches and struggled with the relentless intensity of the Premier League. Iraola's preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, with Wirtz occupying the coveted No.10 role, should theoretically play to his strengths, offering a clear attacking platform.
Finding Midfield Harmony
Iraola must also solve the midfield balance. The Reds were frequently overrun last season, with Ryan Gravenberch offering attacking flair but lacking defensive solidity, and Alexis Mac Allister appearing fatigued. The debate rages on: can Wirtz provide consistent creativity and defensive contribution, or should the hard-running Dominik Szoboszlai be prioritized?
Expect Iraola to push for a specialist defensive midfielder, a role Liverpool has desperately needed. This addition would shield the defense, lighten the load on players like Gravenberch, and crucially, free Wirtz to unleash his full creative potential.
Filling the Pharaoh's Boots: The Right-Wing Reckoning
The departure of Mohamed Salah leaves an colossal void on Liverpool's right flank. Replacing a player who has consistently delivered more goals and assists than anyone else in the club's Premier League history is an unenviable task. The club's failure to secure Antoine Semenyo, who moved to rivals Manchester City for a mere £64m, now looks like a costly oversight.
Top target Yan Diomande will command a significant fee, but Iraola's track record with wingers is encouraging. His work with both Semenyo and Rayan at Bournemouth demonstrated an ability to elevate wide players to new heights. Whoever arrives, Iraola will be tasked with developing a new wide threat capable of influencing games at the highest level.
Defensive Reinforcements: Jacquet's Crucial Role
Liverpool's defensive depth is a growing concern. While Virgil van Dijk remains a towering figure, the refusal to meet Ibrahima Konate's wage demands and the persistent injury struggles of Joe Gomez leave the backline vulnerable. With young Giovanni Leoni recovering from an ACL injury, the spotlight falls squarely on new arrival Jeremy Jacquet.
The 20-year-old Frenchman, a £60m summer signing from Rennes, needs to hit the ground running. Despite a serious shoulder injury that curtailed his previous season, reports suggest Jacquet is fully fit for pre-season. Iraola's ability to quickly integrate and improve defenders, such as Dean Huijsen during his Bournemouth tenure, offers hope that Jacquet can rapidly justify his hefty price tag and solidify Liverpool's central defense.
Alisson's Future: Goalkeeping Crisis Averted?
The goalkeeping situation at Anfield is precarious. The planned succession, with Giorgi Mamardashvili arriving from Valencia and Caoimhin Kelleher moving to Brentford, has backfired spectacularly. While Kelleher excelled, Mamardashvili struggled immensely in his debut season, displaying unsettling nervousness and a lack of comfort, particularly with the ball at his feet.
Therefore, Liverpool's decision to block Alisson Becker's desired move to Juventus is entirely understandable. Despite his increasing susceptibility to injuries, Alisson remains a world-class goalkeeper, and Liverpool desperately needs his presence for at least one more season. Iraola's crucial task will be to convince the Brazilian shot-stopper that his immediate future lies at Anfield, providing vital stability while the club searches for a more suitable long-term successor.
The Right-Back Riddle: Solving a Persistent Problem
The right-back position continues to plague Liverpool, especially after Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure. Jeremie Frimpong's debut season was a struggle, marked by poor form and fitness, yielding a shockingly low return of two goals and two assists. His defensive frailties, including questionable positioning and decision-making, are a significant concern for Iraola.
Compounding the issue is Conor Bradley's ongoing battle with injuries, making him an unreliable option for consistent starts. Iraola faces a critical decision: can he trust either Frimpong or Bradley to provide the necessary defensive solidity and attacking output, or is a new summer signing essential? Solving this persistent right-back riddle is paramount to balancing Liverpool's overall team structure and achieving consistent performance.
