The World Cup 2026 is shaping up to be a fascinating tournament, and for Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola, it's a day of invaluable scouting and analysis. As he navigates the challenges of a disappointing Premier League defense, Iraola is keen to assess his inherited players and identify potential new signings to revitalize the squad. Here's a breakdown of Iraola's intriguing day of scouting, with a focus on three key players: Florian Wirtz, Virgil van Dijk, and Alexander Isak.
Unlocking Wirtz's Potential
Iraola's interest in Florian Wirtz is understandable. The German attacker arrived at Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen for a British record fee, but his performance has been underwhelming. Wirtz's talent is undeniable, and Iraola's task is to find the perfect position for him to shine. His performance in Germany's opening World Cup game against Curacao, a team ranked 82nd in the world, offered a glimpse of his potential.
Wirtz's 39 touches in the final third and his ability to create chances for his teammates were notable. His performance in Houston, playing on the left, might have given Iraola an idea, especially considering Cody Gakpo's struggles in that position. The Spanish boss will aim to unlock Wirtz's true potential, ensuring he's not just a square peg in a round hole.
Dutch Duo: Van Dijk and Gravenberch
Virgil van Dijk, a cornerstone of Iraola's new era, showcased his resilience and leadership in the Netherlands' draw with Japan. Despite the result, Van Dijk's performance was commendable, and he was voted man of the match. His goal and defensive prowess, especially in towering headers, are qualities Iraola values.
Ryan Gravenberch, another Liverpool player, also stood out. His solid performance and ability to create chances, as demonstrated in his assist for Van Dijk, are encouraging. However, Iraola might have hoped for more from Cody Gakpo, who had a subdued match. The Dutch trio's performance will be crucial in shaping Iraola's plans for the upcoming season.
Diomande's Promise
The name on everyone's lips for replacing Mohamed Salah is Yan Diomande. The 19-year-old from RB Leipzig has caught the eye of Liverpool and Paris St-Germain with his man-of-the-match performance against Ecuador. Diomande's versatility, playing both flanks, and his ability to create chances make him an attractive prospect.
His performance against Ecuador, where he set up Nicolas Pepe and almost hit the woodwork, showcased his potential. Despite some rawness in his game, Diomande's positive approach and Iraola's track record of developing young talent make him a strong candidate for a place in the new squad.
Isak's Revival
Alexander Isak's move to Liverpool from Newcastle United was marred by injuries and poor form. However, his performance in Sweden's thrashing of Tunisia was a welcome sight for Iraola. Isak's confidence to shoot, strength, and awareness, as demonstrated in his goal and assist, are encouraging.
With Hugo Ekitike out until next year, Iraola will be keen to ensure Isak is in peak condition. The Swedish striker's ability to set up his strike partner, Viktor Gyokeres, and his overall performance will be crucial in the upcoming season. Iraola's task is to bring out the best in Isak and ensure he's a key player for Liverpool.
As Iraola continues his fact-finding mission at the World Cup, these players will undoubtedly be on his radar. With a mix of inherited talent and potential new signings, the Spanish boss has a challenging yet exciting task ahead of him to rebuild Liverpool's success.
