Not every Liverpool player has started the season strongly - but who needs to improve most under Andoni Iraola?
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
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Don't worry folks, it's nearly all over. Just a few more days, and the longest international break in history will be but a distant memory with minds once again focused on Liverpool and the early stages of Andoni Iraola's tenure.
And the return fixture is a huge one, with the Reds entertaining Manchester City in the first game for the Etihad outfit since they were found guilty by the Premier League of 114 charges of breaching financial breaches.
It also represents the start of a spell of nine games in 29 days for Liverpool which will provide a stern test of the strength in depth of their squad.
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Some players have taken to the Iraola era better than others. But which individual needs to perhaps ramp up their improvement more than most? Our ECHO writers take a look...
Ian Doyle
It says much about the positive impact Andoni Iraola has already made that the narrative of this campaign is about players who have regained their previous impressive form - such as Cody Gakpo and Alexis Mac Allister - or new signings who have made an immediate impact with Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo at the forefront.
However, not every squad member has been able to hit the ground running under the new head coach. And while Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez have been having their troubles in the full-back positions - albeit Kerkez having steadily raised his level of late - it's Ryan Gravenberch who is the cause for greatest concern.
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Given how the Dutchman prospered in midfield for large parts of Arne Slot's reign, the chief explanation for his dip in form comes from still grappling with the new requirements - particularly defensively - being demanded by Iraola.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: Shea Charles of Fulham is challenged by Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Liverpool FC and Fulham at Anfield on September 12, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Shea Charles of Fulham is challenged by Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool during the Premier League match at Anfield on September 12, 2026
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(Image: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
The early evidence at Newcastle United wasn't convincing. Since then, though, there has been little sign of an improvement, with Gravenberch having lost his regular starting role and unable to make much of a positive impact when introduced from the bench.
He hasn't featured for more than an hour in any game since the opening weekend and has fallen behind both Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai in the midfield pecking order, with teenager Trey Nyoni also pressing hard for inclusion.
Injuries elsewhere could see Gravenberch make only his third start of the season when City visit at the weekend. But the need for rotation over a busy forthcoming period means he will be given opportunities regardless. The onus is now on Gravenberch to take them.
Where do you think Liverpool will finish this season?
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 2: Liverpool FC Head Coach Andoni Iraola concentrates after the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field on August 2, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Miller/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Liverpool's new head coach Andoni Iraola, pictured on the club's tour of the US(Michael Miller/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Theo Squires
Liverpool could face a daunting prospect when they return to Premier League action against Man City, with three of their players of the season so far potentially all injury doubts.
Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo both had to withdraw from international duty during the expanded break after picking up injuries with the attacking pair return to the AXA Training Centre for further medical assessment.
Meanwhile, Jeremy Jacquet had to sit out France's last game of the break against Belgium with a minor hamstring injury. It is far from ideal for Andoni Iraola.
Should the Frenchman miss out, Jeremie Frimpong could be in line for a recall with Ronald Araujo moving inside. Frimpong started the season as first choice under Iraola, but soon lost his place to Araujo and is now being linked with a move to Barcelona.
After a disappointing first season at Anfield, Frimpong could really do with kickstarting his Liverpool career soon rather than later if he wishes to remain a Reds player.
But it will be further forward where Iraola needs his players to step up most - especially if he is left without Isak and Gakpo.
Bradley Barcola has endured a quiet start to his Liverpool career, and while that can be put down to a disjointed pre-season and adjusting to a new league and country, the Reds will be relying on him to soon start repaying his £123m fee out on the pitch.
But the player Liverpool need to step up most in such circumstances is Florian Wirtz. Like Frimpong, the German endured a below-par maiden campaign on Merseyside followed by a slow start to the current campaign.
Florian Wirtz of Germany gestures during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Germany and Serbia at Allianz Arena
Florian Wirtz has impressed for Germany during the international break(Image: (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images))
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No goals and just one assist is not good enough from the £125m man, with the pressure on him only going to increase if the Reds are left without their in-form attacking talent.
He showed a glimpse of his best form while away with Germany at least, recording a goal and an assist against Serbia before captaining his nation for the first time against Greece. Hopefully, this can help give him the confidence he needs to kick on back at Anfield.
Supporters have been patient with Wirtz to date, even though he continues to face fierce criticism from pundits. It is time he started to repay that faith.
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