Victor Munoz is a surprise first addition to the Liverpool squad this summer, but where will the £34.5 million Spanish winger fit into Andoni Iraola‘s new-look side?
Liverpool have stolen another forward from Newcastle by hijacking their deal for Osasuna’s Munoz.
The Magpies wanted Hugo Ekitike as a replacement for Alexander Isak, only for the Reds to end up signing both. This year it’s Munoz as a replacement for Anthony Gordon that the Reds have taken for themselves.
But beyond simply winding up the Toon, why have Liverpool moved for the 22-year-old?
What are his strengths?
Victor Munoz of Spain during the friendly match between Spain and Egypt played at RCDE Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Sergio Ruiz/PRESSINPHOTO)
One of Liverpool’s biggest issues last season was a lack of pace and dynamism in the wide areas.
The appointment of Andoni Iraola, who intentionally destabilises games to create big space for his forwards to attack with speed and precision, makes this an even more pressing issue.
Munoz broke through at the Club World Cup last summer, where he was described as the fastest player in the Real Madrid squad.
That’s no mean feat with the likes of Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe for competition, and Osasuna duly paid the €6 million to sign him.
There he was watched by Ivan Fuente of Transfermarkt, who said: “He is a powerful winger, very fast and explosive. He is right-footed, but can play on either wing and even behind the striker if necessary. He likes to make runs into space.”
Carrying the ball forward with his frightening pace is Munoz’s defining trait. According to DataMB, he ranks in the 92nd percentile for progressive carries and 89th for dribbles completed.
Though small in stature, he’s a stout, powerful player who can bulldoze his way through defences.
Here against Sevilla he drops in to receive the ball and turn, with the opposition defence well set in front of him.
He runs forwards anyway and it seems like a classic case of a young, excited player making the wrong decision. But then he’s riding the challenges…
…he’s through the other side and he’s getting a shot on goal.
That’s what I get for armchair analysis.
The boy is quick, strong and fearless; that’s deadly in open space, but it’s also a viable way to break open a low block and create room for others to lose their markers and finish chances.
That’s if Munoz hasn’t let fly from range himself. He strikes powerfully and cleanly through the ball even if it’s a low xG chance:
"That is an absolute SCREAMER!" ?
Osasuna's Víctor Muñoz finds the top corner and opens the scoring against Elche ?
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— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) September 25, 2025
For a team that Iraola will build to press hard and attack fast, Munoz is a smart addition.
Where can he improve?
Whilst his standout attributes are already elite, Munoz does still possess some rough edges.
He ranks poorly in creative metrics such as assists and key passes (both 37th percentile) though his crosses completed are decent (77th percentile).
He’s better suited to cutting inside and finishing from the left than filling the creative void left by Mo Salah on the right, though that’s not such a big issue in an Iraola side – the focus on creating ‘double threats’ in the wide areas allows forwards to attack at pace and focus single-mindedly on goal.
At 22 years old he also has just one full season of top-flight experience, and some high-profile misses, including on his Real Madrid debut vs. Barcelona when trailing 4-3.
Liverpool have moved early for a player of high potential, and that means accepting there will be growing pains along the way.
Where he fits at Liverpool
Whilst primarily a left winger, Munoz can be used all along the front line.
His versatility will please Iraola, who prioritises verticality and intensity over rigid positions.
At 5’8″, Munoz is not an obvious candidate to play centre-forward in the Premier League, yet he did score two headed goals in LaLiga last season, and studying the clips reveals why.
Osasuna have a throw-in vs. Levante. As play resumes, Munoz is not immediately into action, but ambling at walking pace towards the back post.
This allows him to become disconnected from his marker who is watching the ball…
When the cross comes in, Munoz comes to life.
The defender is set in the right place to clear it, but Munoz is bursting to arrive onto the ball at top speed….
His superior momentum carries him through the ball – and, frankly, the opponent – to power it home…
A player with physical gifts is always welcome, but pairing that with smart movement and good instincts makes for an exciting prospect.
Liverpool have signed several explosive left wingers in recent years – first Sadio Mane, then Diogo Jota – who have transitioned into a central role to great effect.
Like those two before him, Munoz arrives as a raw, exciting goal threat.
The hope will be that he can develop into the calibre of player that they both did in time.