Former Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham says Liverpool can challenge Arsenal for the Premier League title this season, thanks to Andoni Iraola and Mohamed Salah
Andoni Iraola is the new Liverpool head coach
Andoni Iraola is the new Liverpool head coach(Image: Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images)
Liverpool is the team most likely to challenge Arsenal for the Premier League title this coming season, according to the former Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham.
After firing Arne Slot and replacing him with Andoni Iraola, the Reds are hoping for much more this time around, with several players, including Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, needing to step up. Bradley Barcola, a top target before the September 1 deadline, would make a big difference too.
And Sheringham says Liverpool, rather than Manchester City, who have lost Pep Guardiola, who was replaced by Enzo Maresca, could be the team that gets closest to stopping Mikel Arteta from retaining Arsenal's Premier League crown.
"Liverpool are the team that could come closest to taking them on," Sheringham said. "I really like Andoni Iraola. I think he has a wonderful way of playing football and getting the best out of his players, as individuals and as a team.
"He’s a manager who can win the Premier League for Liverpool now they haven’t got their Mohamed Salah problem anymore and whether you plan him or leave him out.
"Liverpool have got the best chance to challenge this year, but I’m sure Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur will be wanting to get up there too, given the business they’ve done. Manchester United too, but it’s all going to be so new for them and that’ll make for an unpredictable season."
Iraola is aiming to turn the team's fortunes around
Iraola is aiming to turn the team's fortunes around(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
While Liverpool still has work to do this summer in order to complete the squad and ensure there are enough options to choose from, Sheringham says last year's business is likely to come good.
While Isak and Wirtz arrived a year ago and needed some time to settle in, they are the two most likely to be Salah's replacement in combination. "Liverpool have already done the business to win the Premier League," Sheringham, speaking to Met Bonus, insisted.
"They went and signed Alexander Isak, who is still a phenomenal player when you get his fit. Florian Wirtz has taken a while to settle in, but he’s a top player.
"We saw what he did in Germany and he’s playing for his national team. The things that have been said about him and his talent, you don’t say that lightly about any player.
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"The big test for Andoni Iraola is how he copes with the pressure of the job because he hasn’t worked at the top of the Premier League until now.
"He’s always done good things at Bournemouth and Rayo Vallecano, but when you’re at Liverpool, the pressure is on, week in and week out. He’s been under the radar so far in his career, and if he doesn’t win anything early at Liverpool, will question marks begin to be raised over him too?
"If Arsenal don’t win something, then the pressure is on Mikel Arteta because he’s set that level, but I think for any other manager this season, finishing in the top three should be treated as a real delight."