Andoni Iraola is the leading contender to succeed Arne Slot at Liverpool with the Spaniard's dream starting XI next season predicted
Head Coach Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth in his last game in charge during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth at City Ground on May 24, 2026 in Nottingham, England
The appointment of Andoni Iraola would represent a staggering change to Liverpool's style of play(Image: 2026 Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth)
View 7 Images
Andoni Iraola has emerged as the clear frontrunner to replace Arne Slot at Liverpool, with the Reds preparing for significant upheaval. The Dutchman was dismissed on Saturday following a disappointing second campaign at Anfield.
The outgoing Bournemouth manager, 43, is the leading candidate to assume control at Anfield. Iraola's attacking, proactive philosophy represents a marked departure from the possession-orientated approach Slot implemented at Liverpool.
The Dutchman typically deployed a 4-3-3 formation, while Iraola favours a 4-2-3-1 system - or occasionally a 4-4-2 shape - with emphasis on pressing high and regaining possession swiftly - a fundamental element of Jurgen Klopp's gegenpressing philosophy.
FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook page
With Liverpool anticipated to bring in multiple new recruits this summer, we examine the ideal starting XI for Iraola to commence his Liverpool reign with next season.
Speculation surrounding Alisson Becker's future has been rife, but should he remain at Anfield, he'll undoubtedly retain his position as Liverpool's number one under Iraola. The 33-year-old has been linked with a switch to Juventus but is tied to the Reds until the summer of 2027.
Alisson Becker in action
Alisson Becker has one year left on his Liverpool contract(Image: Getty Images)
View 7 Images
The Brazilian made just 26 league appearances this campaign due to injury, with Giorgi Mamardashvili and Freddie Woodman stepping in during his absence.
Nevertheless, when fully fit, he remains among the finest goalkeepers on the planet and, with the departures of Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson, his leadership will prove absolutely vital.
Iraola will already be inheriting an immediate challenge following Ibrahima Konate's departure. The Frenchman leaves a considerable void that could be addressed through a transfer but will most likely be filled by the incoming Jeremy Jacquet.
A £55million agreement to secure the highly-regarded Rennes star was reached in February and he could well hit the ground running by featuring in Iraola's opening fixture. Should he be selected, he will naturally line up alongside Virgil van Dijk.
Rennes' French defender #97 Jeremy Jacquet applauds the crowd as he's expected to sign with Liverpool FC for next season ahead of the French L1 football match between Stade Rennais FC and Paris FC at the Roazhon Park stadium in Rennes, western France on May 10, 2026. (Photo by SIMON WOHLFAHRT / AFP via Getty Images)
Jeremy Jacquet will arrive at Anfield this summer(Image: SIMON WOHLFAHRT, AFP via Getty Images)
View 7 Images
The Reds skipper will turn 35 before the season opener yet has scaled new peaks in his physical condition and fitness, having become the oldest player in Premier League history to complete every single minute of a campaign.
Van Dijk's influence both on and off the pitch will be absolutely pivotal as the Reds look to navigate a period of transition and mount a return to title contention. The Dutchman's partnership with Andy Robertson was central to their previous success, meaning he will need to continue nurturing his understanding with Milos Kerkez at left-back.
The 22-year-old experienced a difficult beginning to his Liverpool journey but gradually developed in his position as the campaign progressed. Reconnecting with his previous Cherries manager can only aid the Hungary international as he attempts to emulate Robertson.
Virgil van Dijk in action
Virgil van Dijk remains one of the best defenders in the world at 34 years of age(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
View 7 Images
Uncertainty surrounds who will feature at right-back in Liverpool's opening fixture of the season. Conor Bradley continues to be sidelined with a knee problem, while Jeremie Frimpong has proved to be better utilised in an offensive position.
That might prompt Iraola to explore the transfer market, with Inter Milan's Denzel Dumfries - who reportedly has a £22m release clause - a realistic target. The 30-year-old was connected with a switch to Anfield under Slot and would offer defensive solidity in the position as well as possessing a threat going forward, having scored five in 28 appearances this term.
According to reports in Italy, the Reds have floated the idea of signing the Dutch international in an exchange deal that would see Curtis Jones move in the opposite direction. The Liverpool midfielder is entering the final 12 months of his contract and was linked with a transfer to Milan in January.
Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool
Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch are Liverpool's two best midfielders (Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
View 7 Images
Liverpool's deficiency of control in midfield this season was significant and contributed substantially to their dramatic decline in form. With Iraola favouring a two-man midfield, Alexis Mac Allister misses out as the Spaniard would prefer the physicality and work ethic that both Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai deliver.
Gravenberch was given greater freedom to push forward under Slot this year and while he proved more effective in terms of goals and assists, his reduced defensive duties left Liverpool vulnerable at the back.
The Dutchman could be tasked with adopting the controlling role he occupied during his maiden season under Slot, with Szoboszlai continuing as the box-to-box dynamo where he excels most. The 25-year-old has expressed his dissatisfaction with being deployed at right-back on occasions this season, so a more settled position in midfield would satisfy him.
Iraola's four-pronged attacking system functioned brilliantly at Bournemouth, with Liverpool supporters hoping he can replicate similar success at Anfield - despite Mohamed Salah's departure. Finding a replacement for the Egyptian legend will represent the Spaniard's toughest challenge this summer, with Yan Diomande emerging as the leading candidate for £87m.
Able to operate on either flank, the Ivorian will probably be deployed on the right wing with Rio Ngumoha pressing to feature ahead of Cody Gakpo on the opposite side. The 17-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with the Reds, appearing in 29 matches across all competitions and netting twice.
Yan Diomande celebrates
Yan Diomande is reportedly wanted by Liverpool(Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
View 7 Images
Ngumoha's remarkable speed and unpredictability in possession saw him develop into a greater danger on the wing than his Dutch colleague, who struggled considerably as the primary option. Iraola predominantly deployed Eli Junior Kroupi as the number 10 behind Evanilson, with Florian Wirtz potentially standing to gain enormously from the Spaniard's approach.
Able to operate on the left flank, the licence afforded to the Bournemouth forwards could see the German emerge as one of the Premier League's top performers. The chance to exploit half-spaces, link up with team-mates in advanced areas and arrive late into the penalty area could prove exactly what Wirtz requires following a disappointing debut campaign at Anfield.
Hugo Ekitike might well have secured a starting berth in Iraola's maiden match given his pressing capabilities from the front, but with his ACL injury set to sideline him for the opening half of the season, Alexander Isak steps into the breach.
Alexander Isak in action
Alexander Isak must step up for Liverpool next season(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
View 7 Images
The Swede suffered a torrid first year on Merseyside with only four goals in 22 appearances. His maiden World Cup awaits this month as he seeks to rediscover the form that prompted the Reds to splash out a British record £125million fee last September.
The 26-year-old may not excel at spearheading the press, but his finishing prowess cannot be overlooked in a side that will be without the Premier League's most prolific goal-scoring winger of all time.
Dream Liverpool starting XI
Alisson; Dumfries, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Diomande, Wirtz, Ngumoha; Isak
Buy Blood Red, our monthly Liverpool FC print publication for just £3.50 by clicking here