Liverpool still has transfer work to do this summer but Andoni Iraola also needs to get much more out of the players that he inherited from Arne Slot when he arrived
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola.
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola.(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
If Liverpool is to be a success next season, Andoni Iraola will need to get much more out of the players that he inherited, in addition to requiring some more help in the transfer market.
Ronald Araujo will add more depth, and Bradley Barcola, should that deal get done, would be a game-changer. But the Liverpool attacking duo of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz performing to the levels that they can will make a bigger difference than any incoming transfer.
During his first season at Liverpool, Isak was seen so little that it genuinely tracks that he will be 'like a new signing' if he can stay fit. His quality is unquestionable.
The signs in pre-season have been good, too. Isak and Wirtz combined well against AS Monaco last weekend, with the latter explaining that he is keen to further develop that understanding.
"I think against Monaco and in the last game against Leeds, we (Isak and Wirtz) had some good combinations," the German told reporters.
"Also, we created some chances together. He is a very, very good player and I enjoy playing with him. We have to work on the connection but we are still in pre-season and I think until now it is good."
It won't just be Isak and Wirtz who can improve, either. Across the board, Liverpool's players will be hoping that this summer provides a clean slate and an opportunity to go again.
Andoni Iraola speaks to Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz during Liverpool's friendly against AS Monaco.
Andoni Iraola speaks to Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz during Liverpool's friendly against AS Monaco.(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Interest from Tottenham in Cody Gakpo persists, but the Dutchman didn't show his true level last term. The year prior, it should not be forgotten, he scored 18 goals in all competitions.
Getting back to that level will make a huge difference for Liverpool, and the Reds having enough options to ensure that Gakpo is not overly-relied upon will be vital.
So too will getting more from Milos Kerkez. It is too simplistic to suggest that simply because he played for Iraola before, he will immediately improve now.
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But the Hungarian international didn't show his full potential in his debut campaign at Anfield. Understandably, given his young age, he took some time to adapt, and he is now ready to enter the next phase.
Like Gakpo, Alexis Mac Allister, on an individual level, has dropped off substantially in the last 12 months. He is another who, with a better run of form this time around, can return to making a big impact again.
And, though he is different from the others in that he didn't get too many chances last year, 19-year-old Trey Nyoni won't be heading out on loan after the summer that he has had. He is ready for a bigger role.
Curtis Jones still has interest from Inter Milan and it remains to be seen if that develops before September 1, but should he depart, there is even a case that Nyoni could take on his minutes.
Mac Allister will be looking to improve, and Ryan Gravenberch didn't match his performance levels in the title-winning season in the campaign that followed, but Nyoni was the biggest winner in pre-season.
Iraola needs better levels across the board after taking over from Arne Slot. The desired improvement, though, won't just come from transfers.