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Why Liverpool academy teams are ‘mirroring’ Andoni Iraola tactics

As Andoni Iraola calls up youngsters to the first-team squad, Liverpool’s academy coaches are working with the manager to make the transition as smooth as possible.

The jump from youth football to the senior game is huge, which is why so many players go out on loan to gain experience in a competitive environment.

For those staying put, there is plenty of thought going into how to best allow them to make the step up.

Rob Page managed Wales at the 2022 World Cup and he brings with him an innate competitive nature that bleeds into the players.

KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool FC's head coach Rob Page during the UEFA Youth League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC Under-19's and Atlético Madrid Under-19's at the Liverpool Academy. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Of course, while wins are great for breeding confidence, the ultimate aim of academy football is to produce players capable of producing at the top level.

Much was made of Arne Slot’s reluctance to field youngsters, except Rio Ngumoha, last season. However, we are beginning now to see change under Iraola.

His appointment has brought a slight change in system for the Reds, going from somewhat of a 4-3-3 to a more defined 4-2-3-1.

As a result, Liverpool U21s have also made the switch.

KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: The players walk out before the UEFA Youth League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC Under-19's and Atlético Madrid Under-19's at the Liverpool Academy. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Coach Page explained: “I think it’s important my under-21s have an understanding of what the first team play, because they’re one step away from being in that building.

“I think it comes down to profile of players.

“We have an understanding of how the first team play and key principles, like how we press, how he wants his No. 10 to press, how he wants his No. 8 to press, how he wants his centre-backs to press – we mirror that absolutely.”

Page was speaking after the under-19s surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 against Atletico Madrid in their opening UEFA Youth League game.

As we have seen in the first few weeks of the season, the team lined up in a 4-2-3-1, with Will Wright spearheading the attack ahead of Ollie O’Connor, Josh Sonni-Lambie and Joe Bradshaw.

KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool U19's Josh Sonni-Lambie celebrates after scoring the second goal during the UEFA Youth League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC Under-19's and Atlético Madrid Under-19's at the Liverpool Academy. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Behind them, Joe Upton and Luca Eden started as battling midfielders who are good at moving the ball forward quickly.

“I thought, first half, we done it really well,” Page added.

“Second, we weren’t quite as aggressive as what we needed to be, like we was in the first half.

“But I think it comes down to play profile.

“Today we had Joe Upton as No. 6, Luca Eden as a No.8 sort of playing in between Josh Sonni-Lambie who’s a No. 10, so I think it depends on the players you’ve got available to you.”

While the coach said his system usually comes down to the profile of the players available, there has been a definite choice to stay close to Iraola’s ideas.

This process isn’t particularly new; the under-21s often played in a similar manner to Slot and Jurgen Klopp’s sides.

However, last season, there was a feeling that the gap between the two sides of the Kirkby training complex was growing.

Andoni Iraola and his staff “have been excellent”

CHICAGO, USA - Friday, July 31, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola during an open training session at the Endeavor Health Performance Center ahead of their final pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Andoni Iraola already “excellent” for the Academy: “Has put a stamp on it”

Iraola appears to have offered far more encouragement to youngsters and there was a moment at Anfield, during Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Atletico, that signalled his approach.

After the manager and his staff discussed tactics, he passed the notes back to Trey Nyoni, involving the 19-year-old who was sitting beside Jayden Danns and Luke Chambers.

When the youth players train with the first team, it is clearly having an impact, too.

“He has been excellent, and the staff,” said Page in August, referring to Iraola’s assistants, Pablo de la Torre, Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper.

Iraola sharing notes with the academy kids behind

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— Sirah ?? | 2??0?? ?? (@lfc_ali23) September 9, 2026

“The two lads he has brought in with him as well have been really welcoming.

“We have had many a meeting in the gaffer’s office, and he has spoken about his methodology and his identity and how he wants to be with and without the ball.

“I’m really excited about what the season looks like for us.”

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