Andoni Iraola can claim some early World Cup bragging rights with his Liverpool players leaving Real Madrid and Arsenal behind so far at the tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico
Cody Gakpo celebrates after scoring for the Netherlands at the World Cup.
Cody Gakpo celebrates after scoring for the Netherlands at the World Cup.(Image: Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
Liverpool players have registered 12 goal involvements so far at the World Cup, which is more than any other club, in what should represent a boost for incoming head coach Andoni Iraola.
After a campaign of struggles, it would be understandable if some stars saw their confidence knocked. But Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak, in particular, have both impressed for their national teams and should come back in for pre-season with an extra spring in their step.
With four goals and eight assists between the seven Liverpool players to have featured at the World Cup so far, the Reds lead the way for attacking impact.
Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are both on eight goal involvements. Arsenal, meanwhile, is on seven, and Stuttgart on five.
Gakpo netted twice for the Netherlands against Sweden, when the Liverpool forward was his nation's best player. Isak scored for his country against Tunisia on matchday one.
Both players have looked sharp so far, with Virgil van Dijk having scored and Florian Wirtz having assisted too. Wataru Endo, though, was ruled out of the tournament through injury a few hours before it started.
Alexander Isak and Virgil van Dijk celebrate after scoring for Sweden and the Netherlands respectively at the World Cup
Alexander Isak and Virgil van Dijk were both on target for Sweden and the Netherlands at the World Cup(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool will play its first pre-season game around a week after the World Cup concludes. After a tour in the US, it will also face Como and AS Monaco at Anfield.
"We've analyzed Liverpool a lot — possible weaknesses, the strengths," Iraola said when he was confirmed as Arne Slot's successor.
"I think we have a very good squad. I think there is still work to do, like normally in every club in this moment of the season. But right now, for me the thing is to value especially the players that we have right now in the squad.
"For me, and I will tell them, [they] are all new signings.
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"For me, you are all new signings and I think we have a lot of quality in our squad. I'm really looking forward to working with them.
"I only had, I think, Milos in the squad before — I know a couple, I've been talking to a couple before — but it will be lovely also to play again with Milos, try to improve him, try to help him in his development. Yeah, definitely looking forward to it."
Liverpool.com says: The summer will be massive for the Reds. They need to get up to speed quickly and ensure that the required intensity is there to hit the ground running. The countdown to August 23 has already begun.