World Cup gives Iraola early clues on Liverpool rebuild

Andoni Iraola has several positive World Cup performances to assess as he begins shaping Liverpool’s next phase. Florian Wirtz impressed for Germany, Virgil van Dijk led the Netherlands, Yan Diomande stood out for Ivory Coast, and Alexander Isak showed sharper form for Sweden.

For Wirtz, Germany’s 7-1 win over Curaçao offered a reminder of the attacking quality Liverpool expected after his high-profile move from Bayer Leverkusen. The opposition context matters, but his role from the left and heavy involvement in advanced areas may give Iraola a useful tactical reference point after an uneven first season at Anfield.

Liverpool’s Dutch players produced a mixed picture in the Netherlands’ 2-2 draw with Japan. Van Dijk scored and was named man of the match, while Ryan Gravenberch supplied key assists; Cody Gakpo, however, had a quieter game, with the source analysis pointing to both his own predictability and limited support on the flank.

Beyond current squad members, Diomande’s display in Ivory Coast’s 1-0 win over Ecuador underlined why he is being discussed as a possible wide attacking option, though that remains transfer speculation. Isak’s man-of-the-match performance in Sweden’s 5-1 win over Tunisia may be even more immediately relevant for Liverpool, given the striker’s difficult previous campaign and the need for him to return fit and confident.