Andoni Iraola has already made clear the plan for his Liverpool wingers, with the Reds still hoping to complete a move for the PSG forward Bradley Barcola this summer
Rio Ngumoha during the friendly game between Liverpool and Leeds in Chicago.
Rio Ngumoha during the friendly game between Liverpool and Leeds in Chicago.(Image: Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
When Andoni Iraola was at Bournemouth, perhaps his biggest skill was extracting the most from the players at his disposal.
In part to develop them to a point where they could be sold for big money — something that won't be the case at Liverpool — it was all part of the plan. Antoine Semenyo, for instance, moved to Manchester City in January having taken several steps forward under Iraola, playing on both sides of the Cherries' attack.
And at Anfield, the Spaniard wants a similar leval of adaptability. Iraola has already spelled that out to the options he has been working with to date.
"Our wingers, I normally try to encourage to have the ability to play both sides," the new Liverpool boss explained during the pre-season tour of the US.
"I know some of them are more comfortable on one side, but our team is not normally symmetrical so sometimes one winger has to do more defensive work, play higher, be more inside, be more outside.
"So if you can give me the option to put you both sides, it’s going to be easier for you to get minutes.
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola.
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola.(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
"Also, now in pre-season I have to see where they are more comfortable, but in my previous clubs most wingers play both sides. Then even during games we change a lot of times the sides of the wingers.
"I would like now if we can have this versatility, for me it’s a big help. I think it’s also a great skill to have because in the end you become less predictable.
"I know most prefer one side, but maybe we want to exploit one match-up or can see a weakness for if you have the ability to play on both sides."
Victor Munoz has experience of playing through the center and could play on the right, while Lewis Koumas — though he is unlikely to feature that much even if he doesn't head out on loan again — has played both roles.
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Federico Chiesa has filled in across the forward line, though the Italian is another highly unlikely to be a regular starter.
And Rio Ngumoha has played on the right at times during pre-season, and indeed even scored against Wrexham coming inside from that flank.
According to Sky Germany, the 17-year-old is a strong contender to move across should Bradley Barcola arrive, though Liverpool is also considering a move for Ibrahim Mbaye — a right-footer to tends to play off that side.
The only current Liverpool forward who isn't really a natural on both sides is Cody Gakpo, who has interest from Tottenham. As for the rest, though, there is versatility, which can only be a good thing.