Wirtz, Isak & Diomande excel at World Cup as Iraola eyes Liverpool revival

Liverpool's new head coach Andoni Iraola observed the World Cup as a vital opportunity to assess the players he will manage and scout potential additions to rejuvenate a squad that faced challenges in its Premier League title defense last season. As he began adapting to his new role following the departure of Arne Slot, Iraola eagerly followed all the action on day four of the tournament.

One player who caught Iraola's attention was Florian Wirtz, who came to Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen last summer for a then-British record of £116m but struggled to meet expectations. At just 23, there remain high hopes for the gifted forward, making it imperative for Iraola to pinpoint a suitable position that allows Wirtz to harness the talent he showcased prior to joining Anfield. In Germany's emphatic 7-1 victory over Curacao in their World Cup opener, Wirtz delivered a glimpse of his potential, successfully executing a key assist, despite the opponent's lower world ranking.

During his first season at Liverpool, Wirtz frequently found himself out of place, alternating between supporting the strikers and playing on the flanks without flourishing. However, in Houston, he played on the left side, a tactic that may inspire Iraola, especially considering Cody Gakpo's difficulties in that area last season. With 39 touches in the final third and a deft setup for Felix Nmecha's goal, Wirtz appeared revitalized. BBC Radio 5 Live commentator Chris Sutton noted that Wirtz looked liberated and creative, displaying a blend of skill and confidence reminiscent of his earlier form.

Iraola also looked to have received mixed signals concerning his Dutch players. Virgil van Dijk excelled for the Netherlands in a 2-2 draw against Japan, scoring and earning man of the match honors, while providing a steadfast presence in defense, crucial for the team's inconsistencies during the match. Ryan Gravenberch assisted van Dijk's goal and had a solid game, representing hope for his return to form, while Cody Gakpo struggled to influence the game, hindered by substitutions that limited his attacking options.

Another rising star that drew Iraola's interest was Yan Diomande, a talented 19-year-old from RB Leipzig, in Ivory Coast's narrow 1-0 win against Ecuador. Positioned on both flanks, Diomande exhibited skill and athleticism, leading him to create multiple chances while posing a significant threat to Ecuador's defense.

Iraola would have been particularly pleased with Alexander Isak's performance, who, after a challenging season with Liverpool, shone in Sweden's 5-1 rout of Tunisia. Isak's confidence in running at defenders and assisting teammates demonstrated the potential release of tension under Iraola's guidance.

As Iraola aims to revitalize Liverpool's squad, he will need to merge the talents of returning players and fresh prospects, all while navigating the challenges of the World Cup.