Liverpool’s three home games in a week had mixed results, but it will have been a valuable learning curve for Andoni Iraola and his squad moving forward.
In the span of seven days, Liverpool welcomed three teams to Anfield in three different competitions, winning all but the Premier League contest against Fulham.
Iraola averaged five changes to his starting XI and utilised all five substitutions available to him in each game, with 21 players utilised to navigate the quick turnaround.
And the week was not short of discoveries, so here are six things we learned from the visit of Atletico Madrid, Fulham and Tottenham.
The need for considered rotation from Andoni Iraola
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool players form a pre-match huddle before before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid at Anfield. Back row (L-R) goalkeeper Alisson Becker, Bradley Barcola, Jeremy Jacquet, captain Virgil van Dijk, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexander Isak. Front row (L-R): Ronald Araújo, Rio Ngumoha, Alexis Mac Allister, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool players form a pre-match huddle before before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid at Anfield. Back row (L-R) goalkeeper Alisson Becker, Bradley Barcola, Jeremy Jacquet, captain Virgil van Dijk, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexander Isak. Front row (L-R): Ronald Araújo, Rio Ngumoha, Alexis Mac Allister, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Iraola told reporters after he was appointed as Liverpool’s new head coach that he would embrace rotation, and we saw that throughout the week, though there is always the potential for more.
He needed a strong start in the Champions League and thus named his strongest-possible XI against Atletico, but he will need to embrace more changes in the remaining seven league phase games.
Liverpool’s squad depth cannot compete with their domestic rivals, and so the Reds need to be smart about keeping players fresh and injury free.
That is why it was particularly encouraging to see Virgil van Dijk and Florian Wirtz left out entirely against Spurs, after the captain had started 47 successive games for the Reds.
Trey Nyoni can be a starter for Liverpool
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 15, 2026: Liverpool's Trey Nyoni during the Football League Cup 3rd Round match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 15, 2026: Liverpool's Trey Nyoni during the Football League Cup 3rd Round match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The 19-year-old’s first start against Tottenham was his only appearance during the three-game run, but it was a timely reminder that he is ready for more responsibility in Liverpool’s midfield.
It is not to say he should be the automatic starter every week, but he can certainly be leaned on more by Iraola after showing poise, defensive awareness and the ability to break the lines with his passes.
He is a more natural operator than the down-on-confidence Ryan Gravenberch, and from what we have seen, he is ready for regular starting duties.
And on the topic of impressive youngsters, Lewis Koumas has set the standard for the work rate and commitment expected.
Dominik Szoboszlai’s best position is not central midfield
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 15, 2026: Liverpools Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates after scoring the third goal during the Football League Cup 3rd Round match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 3-1.(Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 15, 2026: Liverpools Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates after scoring the third goal during the Football League Cup 3rd Round match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 3-1.(Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The future role of Dominik Szoboszlai has been one of the biggest talking points to emerge from the latest run of games, having shown qualities best placed elsewhere in the XI.
Whether it be right-back, the No. 10 role – which is where he played the majority of his career before Arne Slot changed his role – or right wing, a change could well be needed.
Liverpool do not have endless midfield options, but Szoboszlai’s tendency to slow play down and carry the team’s running demands leaves the defence exposed and limits his best qualities.
While his versatility is an asset, there is a conversation to be had about finding him a position that does not compromise the central balance.
Alexis Mac Allister is playing with a point to prove
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Alexis Mac Allister expressed his disappointment at having not been offered a new contract beyond 2028, but if he is going to continue proving a point, it is a win-win for Liverpool.
Having looked devoid of energy last season, the Argentine has proved vital for Iraola in an otherwise dysfunctional midfield so far, offering the defensive mindset and tenacity required.
He is scoring and assisting, and whether his performances are to earn a contract or a future transfer, it can only benefit the Reds.
Ronald Araujo is the de-facto right-back
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool's Ronald Araujo celebrates after his side's scored their second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool's Ronald Araujo celebrates after his side's scored their second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
It was seemingly only the club who failed to recognise the need for a new specialist right-back, but in Ronald Araujo they at least have a strong alternative to Jeremie Frimpong or a midfielder.
The Uruguayan’s enthusiasm has rubbed off on the supporters, but more than that, he has proved reliable in defence while still offering a threat in the forward half.
Three successive starts – including one at centre-back – and his performances were consistent across the board, which will have alleviated some of Iraola’s defensive concerns.
Bradley Barcola is exciting and lightning quick
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool's Bradley Barcola in the line-up before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool's Bradley Barcola in the line-up before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
There has been no goal to celebrate yet from the £123 million signing, but he has made it clear why pace was important to add in the transfer window – he’s absolutely rapid!
Once he clicks with his teammates and they learn his running patterns, expect to see more goal threat from Bradley Barcola, who steered his biggest chance so far wide of the upright against Atletico.
He played 160 minutes across the three matches, occupying the right and left wing to underscore Iraola’s insistence that his wide players will be expected to assume both roles.
ROUNDUP COLLAGE (3)
ROUNDUP COLLAGE (3)
Football – FA Premier League – Liverpool FC v Fulham FC
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 12, 2026: Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Fulham FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Valencia, Spain. 6th Sep, 2026. Harvey Elliott (Valencia) Football/Soccer : Spanish “LaLiga EA Sports” match between Valencia CF – FC Barcelona at the Estadio de Mestalla in Valencia, Spain . Credit: Mutsu Kawamori/AFLO/Alamy Live News
Valencia, Spain. 6th Sep, 2026. Harvey Elliott (Valencia) Football/Soccer : Spanish “LaLiga EA Sports” match between Valencia CF – FC Barcelona at the Estadio de Mestalla in Valencia, Spain . Credit: Mutsu Kawamori/AFLO/Alamy Live News