The 2026 FIFA World Cup has provided an intriguing insight into the potential future of Liverpool FC, with new head coach Andoni Iraola scouting players and plotting a revival of the squad. Here's a breakdown of some key players and their performances that caught Iraola's eye:
Wirtz's Revival
Iraola's interest in Florian Wirtz is understandable. The German attacker has been a square peg in a round hole at Liverpool, playing in various positions without finding his rhythm. However, in Germany's opening match against Curacao, Wirtz showed glimpses of his former self. Playing on the left, he demonstrated a delicate touch and quick thinking, setting up Germany's opening goal. This performance, while against a weaker opponent, suggests that Iraola might be able to unlock Wirtz's true potential by finding a settled position for him.
Mixed Fortunes for the Dutch Trio
Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, and Cody Gakpo formed a crucial part of Iraola's plans, but their performances at the World Cup were mixed. Van Dijk, a pillar of the team, shone in his role, scoring and providing a solid defensive barrier. Gravenberch, too, showed promise, creating Van Dijk's goal and delivering a solid performance. However, Gakpo's match against Japan was subdued, and his form from last season, where he often resorted to predictable moves, didn't help his case. Iraola will need to revive Gakpo's form and find a way to make him more unpredictable on the pitch.
Diomande's Promise
Yan Diomande, a 19-year-old from RB Leipzig, has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool. His performance against Ecuador showcased his potential, as he created chances and troubled the opposition. Despite some rawness in his game, Diomande's positive approach and ability to adapt to different positions make him an intriguing prospect for Iraola. With his track record of developing younger players, Iraola might be able to mold Diomande into a key player for the future.
Isak's Masterclass
Alexander Isak's performance for Sweden against Tunisia was a masterclass in confidence and form. Despite a goalkeeping error benefiting him, Isak's strength, awareness, and ability to create chances for his strike partner, Viktor Gyokeres, were impressive. With Hugo Ekitike out until next year, Iraola will want to ensure Isak is in peak condition to lead the line for Liverpool next season. His return to form is a positive sign for the club's future.
In summary, the World Cup has provided Iraola with valuable insights into the players he has inherited and those he could add to the squad. With a mix of promising performances and areas for improvement, Iraola has a challenging but exciting task ahead of him as he aims to revive Liverpool's fortunes.
