Liverpool Icon
Liverpool FC News
Features
Liverpool FC## Liverpool is targeting a move for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola this summer, but Andoni Iraola has issued a versatility challenge to all of his wide players
21:18, 30 Jul 2026
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 29: Head coach Andoni Iraola of Liverpool gestures in the first half against Wrexham during a Pre-Season Friendly at Yankee Stadium on July 29, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola(Image: Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola insists any winger Liverpool recruit this summer must possess the capability to operate on either flank, as the head coach outlined his rationale for deploying match-winner Rio Ngumoha on the right during the 1-0 victory over Wrexham.
The Reds defeated the Championship outfit at New York's Yankee Stadium on Wednesday courtesy of Ngumoha's second-half goal, with the winger impressing in the unusual position on the right side of attack.
Liverpool is preparing to open discussions with Paris Saint-Germain regarding Bradley Barcola, who carries a $193 million (£140M) valuation from the European champions. While the Reds will attempt to secure a reduced fee for the France international, he predominantly features on the left, prompting questions about Ngumoha's deployment in the unaccustomed position on Wednesday.
Nevertheless, Iraola has urged all his wide players to develop versatility in order to render the team more difficult to predict during the forthcoming campaign.
"Yes I think [playing both sides] is a great skill to have because in the end you become less predictable," Iraola said at a press conference on Thursday in Chicago, reports the Liverpool Echo.
"And I think I know most of them have one preferred side but maybe you are only going to play there 70 percent of the time. We need you somewhere on the side for some games because we want to exploit one concrete match-up. Or we see there can be a weakness on the side tacitcally, something we can see that we have a chance.
Bradley Barcola (France) during Round of 16 FIFA World Cup 2026, Paraguay and France, Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, United States on July 04 2026. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola's comments come as Liverpool lines up a bid for Bradley Barcola(Image: Getty Images)
"To be able to play both sides, it becomes better for you because you can have more minutes and it's also better for us because we can use the squad better I think."
Explaining why 17-year-old Ngumoha featured on the right flank against Wrexham, Iraola added: "Two aspects. First, our wingers, normally, I am encourage them to have the ability to play both sides.
Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kit
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
Liverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign.
"I know some of them are more comfortable on just one side but we normally aren't symmetric as a team. So sometimes one of the wingers will have to do more defensive work or has to play higher or more inside or outside.
"So if you can give me the option to put you both sides it is selfishly for you to get minutes. Now in pre-season I have to see where they are more comfortable.
Article continues below
"But in my previous clubs most of the wingers have played both sides and even during games we have changed some times the sides of the wingers. I would like it now if we could have this versatility. For me that would be a big help."
Liverpool FC
Andoni Iraola
Transfers
Bradley Barcola
Rio Ngumoha