While Liverpool supporters are enjoying the World Cup as football fans, new head coach Andoni Iraola is likely watching it for a very different reason.
For Iraola, the tournament represents an invaluable opportunity to assess the players he has inherited at Anfield before the new season begins.
And after only a few days of action, several Liverpool players have already given him plenty to think about.
Florian Wirtz Finally Looks Comfortable
Perhaps the biggest positive for Liverpool has been the performance of Florian Wirtz.
The German international arrived at Anfield with huge expectations but struggled to consistently influence games during his first season.
At the World Cup, however, he has looked far more comfortable.
Operating from the left side of Germany’s attack, Wirtz produced an assist against Curaçao while creating four chances, making nine passes into the final third and recording eight recoveries.
More importantly, he looked confident.
For Iraola, that may be the most valuable takeaway of all.
The talent has never been in doubt.
The challenge now is recreating that environment at Liverpool.
Alexander Isak Looks Fully Fit Again
Sweden’s 5-1 victory over Tunisia offered another encouraging sign.
Alexander Isak scored, registered an assist and produced the sort of complete centre-forward performance Liverpool supporters had hoped to see far more often last season.
Given the serious injury problems that interrupted much of his first campaign at Anfield, Iraola will be delighted to see the striker looking sharp and physically strong.
A fully fit Isak could transform Liverpool’s attack.
Ryan Gravenberch Continues to Impress
If there is one Liverpool player quietly enhancing his reputation at this tournament, it may be Ryan Gravenberch.
The Netherlands midfielder has once again demonstrated his ability to control games through intelligence and composure in possession.
For a manager who values energy and ball progression, Gravenberch increasingly looks like a player who could become central to Iraola’s plans.
Virgil van Dijk Remains the Leader
While much discussion surrounds Liverpool’s future, the World Cup has served as a reminder of the importance of Virgil van Dijk.
The captain continues to organise, lead and perform on the biggest stage.
Iraola will undoubtedly recognise that Liverpool’s rebuild still requires experienced figures capable of setting standards.
Van Dijk remains one of those players.
Cody Gakpo Faces Questions
Not every Liverpool player has enhanced their reputation.
Cody Gakpo struggled during the Netherlands’ draw with Japan and, according to some observers, fell into the same predictable patterns that frustrated supporters during Liverpool’s difficult season.
While one performance should not define a player, it does raise questions that Iraola will need to answer.
Can he unlock the best version of Gakpo?
Or will Liverpool eventually look elsewhere?
Rio Ngumoha’s Emergence
Perhaps the most exciting development has been the emergence of Rio Ngumoha.
The teenager impressed on his senior England debut, completing the most dribbles in the match and winning more duels than any other player on the pitch.
For a young player already generating huge excitement at Liverpool, it was another reminder of the talent coming through the ranks.
Iraola has a strong reputation for developing young players.
Ngumoha may be one of the biggest beneficiaries.
Valuable Information Ahead of Pre-Season
The World Cup will not make Iraola’s decisions for him.
But it is providing valuable information.
Some players are strengthening their case.
Others are raising fresh questions.
And several are showing qualities that could become important under the Spaniard’s high-intensity style of football.
For Liverpool supporters, the tournament is entertaining.
For Andoni Iraola, it is also proving to be an extremely useful scouting mission.
And the answers he is receiving may help shape Liverpool’s future long before pre-season even begins.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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