How Liverpool could line up under Andoni Iraola

Liverpool have appointed Andoni Iraola as the club's new manager following the dismissal of Arne Slot.

There was an overarching sense amongst Liverpool fans that the Dutchman was living on borrowed time at Anfield after a dismal Premier League title defence saw his side scrape fifth in the top-flight standings.

The Reds weren't just losing games under Slot; they were succumbing to defeat with no clear identity. A style of play that was described as patient and intelligent in their 2024/25 Premier League winning campaign was now described as boring and pedestrian.

While few expected the Merseyside outfit to defend their title with ease given the quality of Mikel Arteta's Arsenal and Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, they were predicted to compete at the top of the standings after spending in excess of £400m in Slot's second summer in charge.

While Florian Wirtz's inability to hit the ground running and Alexander Isak's injury woes haven't aided the Dutch manager, there's no excuse for losing 12 Premier League games with a squad of Liverpool's quality and Slot ultimately paid the price.

Following confirmation that Iraola will succeed Slot in the Anfieldl dugout, we take a look at how Liverpool could line up under the former Bournemouth man.

While Liverpool supporters can't fall into the trap of revising Jurgen Klopp's team every time they have a poor spell, they can be forgiven for demanding a more intense style of play.

There were games last campaign where the Reds looked as though they'd given up - a 4-0 defeat away to Man City in the FA Cup proving the perfect example.

One thing that new gaffer Iraola won't entertain is a lack of effort, having overseen one of the most hard-working Premier League sides in the 2025/26 season.

When examining both Liverpool and Bournemouth's out-of-possession stats last season, it will probably come as a surprise to most that the Reds finished three points above the Cherries. The South Coast outfit won more duels, made more tackles and completed more high turnovers than the reigning Premier League champions, whilst also drawing more fouls in the final third.

Liverpool's brilliance under Klopp stemmed from the fact that when they scored their first goal, they wouldn't rest on their laurels; instead they would chase a second, third and fourth.

Slot often encouraged his team to draw opponents out of their shape to create openings, but too often this created a flat atmosphere at Anfield, an atmosphere incomparable to what we saw when Klopp's side were at their rampant best.

Mohamed Salah called for the return of 'heavy metal' football in an Instagram post following Liverpool's 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa in the penultimate game of the season. He might not be here to witness it, but his wish could come true under the stewardship of Iraola.

Last summer marked one of change for Liverpool, and there's an overarching sense that the club's rebuild will proceed this window.

While Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konate and Andrew Robertson have already announced their departures, there remains doubts surrounding the futures of Curtis Jones, Federico Chiesa, Alexis Mac Allister, Joe Gomez, Wataru Endo and Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Reports had suggested that Alisson Becker could be set to bring the curtain down on his eight-year spell with Liverpool too, but respected journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the Reds want him to stay and see out the final year of his contract.

He therefore is expected to get the nod in between the sticks under Iraola, providing he can put his injury woes behind him after a stop-start 2025/26 season.

Iraola shouldn't have to think twice about who he selects at left-back, set to be reunited with former Bournemouth man Milos Kerkez after the Hungarian traded the Vitality Stadium for Anfield last summer.

Kerkez was criticised in the early stages of his Liverpool career, enduring particularly torrid nights against Bournemouth and Newcastle, but he's improved as the season has progressed and will be the club's first choice left-back following Robertson's exit.

Konate's departure has prompted suggestions that Liverpool will need to reenter the market for another central defender, but reports suggest that the club are content with their current options.

Captain Virgil van Dijk, who has had countless partners at the heart of defence for the Reds, could be accompanied by summer arrival Jeremy Jacquet. The Frenchman is renowned for his impressive athleticism and imposing presence in ground duels, and he could fit seamlessly into an Iraola system that relies on aggressive, high defensive lines.

Liverpool have had major difficulty in the right-back area since the controversial departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold, and they may be forced to return to the market in search of reinforcement.

Jeremie Frimpong has seen his playing time hindered by a repetitive hamstring injury, and he's arguably failed to fit the right-back mold when fit. Meanwhile, Conor Bradley sustained a serious knee injury against Arsenal in January that is set to rule him out for the foreseeable.

Marco Palestra - a versatile right-back renowned for his technical proficiencies and two-footedness - is reportedly drawing the interest of top Premier League clubs. An athletic figure who you'd suspect would cope with both the physical and technical demands of Iraola, the 21-year-old Italian appears a perfect fit for Liverpool as they continue life without Alexander-Arnold.

Dominik Szoboszlai, who boasts a relentless engine, is perfectly suited to Iraola's midfield. The arrival of the Basque manager could have different implications for Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch however.

While the addition of a defensive-minded midfielder would relieve Gravenberch of his defensive duties, there are set to be just two central midfield spots up for grabs, with Wirtz likely to occupy the 10 position. As for Mac Allister, he often looked out of his depth in a slower, less aggressive system under Slot, and so he could struggle to adapt to Iraola's high-octane setup.

Liverpool are likely to sign a midfielder this window, and Crystal Palace ace Adam Wharton has been frequently linked with the club in more recent weeks. While questions may be asked of the England international's physical prowess, his on-the-ball quality undoubtedly outweighs any weaknesses.

In a system where Liverpool are expected to turn the ball over at a greater rate, they need a midfielder with precise passing and elite ball progression. Wharton can be that man.

Wirtz showed signs of magic in his debut campaign at Anfield but failed to reach the heights expected of him. The arrival of Iraola presents a new opportunity for the German to impress, and, signing for a then club record £116m transfer fee, Liverpool will be desperate for him to prove his worth.

Yan Diomande and Bradley Barcola have been mooted as targets for Liverpool in the attacking department, and if their 2025 summer transfer business is anything to go by, they won't be afraid to pursue both.

The Reds proved all too predictable in Slot's second campaign, suffering from a shortage of high-volume dribblers following the departure of Luis Diaz.

Both Diomande and Barcola would bring pace, power and unpredictability in abundance, and the club's higher-ups should seize the opportunity to sign both forwards if it proves feasible.

Hugo Ekitike's injury means that Isak will lead the line for Iraola at the start of the 2026/27 term, permitting he avoids injury at the World Cup and in pre-season.

Formation & Starting XI

4-2-3-1

Alisson Becker; Marco Palestra, Jeremy Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez; Adam Wharton, Dominik Szoboszlai; Yan Diomande, Florian Wirtz, Bradley Barcola; Alexander Isak.