The Kopite View

Andoni Iraola had plenty of reasons to be pleased after Liverpool’s 3-1 Carabao Cup victory over Tottenham Hotspur, with the Reds’ head coach particularly impressed by the intensity and attitude shown by his much-changed side.

Iraola made 10 changes from the team that started the 0-0 draw with Fulham, explaining afterwards that Liverpool had lacked energy in that game and needed fresh legs. The decision certainly paid off as Liverpool produced an energetic performance and deserved their place in the fourth round.

And for me, that was one of the biggest positives from the night.

Iraola wanted fresh legs – and got exactly that

There was always going to be plenty of discussion about the number of changes, but Iraola knew what his squad needed.

Liverpool had looked flat against Fulham and the manager wanted players who were ready to run, compete and attack every duel.

That is exactly what he got.

Iraola praised the team’s intensity and aggression, saying they deserved the victory and had earned the right to be in the next round.

That is particularly encouraging when you consider how many young players were involved.

Experience was still crucial

While the youngsters brought plenty of energy, Liverpool also had experienced players around them.

Iraola singled out Ronald Araujo and Alexis Mac Allister for the way they helped guide a relatively young side.

Mac Allister’s influence was obvious. He scored Liverpool’s opening goal and then provided the assist for Cody Gakpo’s second, showing exactly why having experienced players in a rotated team can make such a difference.

Iraola was also full of praise for Gakpo, pointing out that the Dutchman offers much more than simply goals and assists.

His physicality, ability to keep possession and experience give Liverpool another dimension, and his goal against Spurs was another important contribution.

Koumas setting the standard

One player who particularly caught Iraola’s eye was Lewis Koumas.

The young forward’s energy and intensity were highlighted by the Liverpool boss, who also praised his attitude in training.

That’s something I really like hearing.

Young players don’t simply get opportunities because they are talented. They have to show the right attitude every single day, and Iraola clearly believes Koumas is setting an example for others.

If that continues, there is no reason why he shouldn’t keep getting opportunities.

Szoboszlai’s ‘worldie’

Liverpool’s three goals were all praised by Iraola, but it was difficult to ignore the spectacular finish that sealed the victory.

Dominik Szoboszlai’s stoppage-time strike was an absolute worldie.

The Hungarian unleashed a brilliant effort from distance to make sure Tottenham couldn’t find a way back into the game.

Iraola said everyone at Liverpool trusts Szoboszlai to score from distance, and you can understand why after producing another goal like that.

Gomez’s substitution was always planned

There was also positive news regarding Joe Gomez, who made his return from injury by starting the game.

His half-time substitution wasn’t because of a fresh problem.

Iraola confirmed that Gomez was always scheduled to play around 45 minutes as part of his recovery process, meaning Liverpool were carefully managing his return to competitive action.

That’s another positive to take from the evening.

Exactly what Liverpool needed

For me, this was a hugely encouraging night for Iraola.

Liverpool didn’t just beat Tottenham — they did it after making 10 changes, giving valuable minutes to younger players and managing Gomez’s return while still having enough quality to get the job done.

Nyoni, McConnell, Koumas and Ngumoha all gained valuable experience, while players like Mac Allister and Gakpo provided the senior quality needed to get Liverpool through.

The Carabao Cup might be a different competition from the Premier League and Champions League, but nights like this can be extremely valuable for building a squad.

And Iraola will surely have been delighted with what he saw.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool booked their place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with an impressive 3-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield, with Andoni Iraola’s much-changed side showing that there is plenty of quality beyond his regular starting XI.

With Liverpool playing their third game in seven days, Iraola made 10 changes from the side that drew 0-0 with Fulham, giving several younger players an opportunity to impress.

Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili, Frimpong, Araújo, Gomez, Kerkez, McConnell, Nyoni, Gakpo, Mac Allister, Ngumoha, Koumas.

Subs: Alisson, Endo, Jacquet, Szoboszlai, Isak, Muñoz, Barcola, Gravenberch, Chambers.

It was a bold selection from Iraola, but the Liverpool manager clearly wanted to protect some of his key players while still taking the competition seriously.

And the changes certainly didn’t stop Liverpool from producing an entertaining performance.

Mac Allister breaks the deadlock

Liverpool took the lead in the 21st minute through Alexis Mac Allister, who produced a superb finish to give the Reds a deserved advantage.

The Argentine’s experience was particularly important in a side containing several youngsters, and he helped provide the composure Liverpool needed in midfield.

Tottenham had their moments, particularly early on, but Liverpool grew into the game and began to look increasingly dangerous.

Gakpo doubles the lead

Liverpool continued to threaten after the interval and eventually doubled their advantage through Cody Gakpo.

It was exactly the sort of contribution Iraola would have wanted from one of his more experienced attackers, and suddenly Liverpool were firmly in control at 2-0.

The performance of the younger players was also encouraging.

James McConnell, Trey Nyoni, Rio Ngumoha and Lewis Koumas were all handed starts, while Joe Gomez returned to the starting XI after his injury lay-off.

Koumas in particular showed plenty of promise, while Nyoni and McConnell gave Liverpool energy in midfield.

Spurs give Liverpool a scare

Tottenham weren’t finished, though, and Conor Gallagher pulled one back to make it 2-1.

There was some frustration surrounding the goal after a mistake from Giorgi Mamardashvili, who otherwise produced some important saves during the match.

Suddenly Liverpool had a job to do.

Iraola could then turn to the experience sitting on his bench, with players including Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexander Isak, Bradley Barcola and Ryan Gravenberch available if required.

Szoboszlai produces the moment of the night

With Tottenham pushing for an equaliser, Liverpool finally put the game beyond doubt in spectacular fashion.

Dominik Szoboszlai smashed home a stunning long-range strike in stoppage time, sending Anfield into celebration and sealing Liverpool’s passage into the fourth round.

It was a brilliant way to finish the night.

Another step forward for Iraola’s Liverpool

For me, this was exactly what you want from a Carabao Cup performance.

Iraola made wholesale changes, rested several key players and still put out a team capable of beating a Premier League opponent.

More importantly, several of the younger players got valuable minutes without Liverpool sacrificing the result.

There were certainly things to improve — particularly the goal conceded — but Liverpool ultimately deserved their 3-1 victory.

The Carabao Cup may not be the biggest competition Liverpool will compete for this season, but if Iraola can use it to develop players such as Nyoni, McConnell, Ngumoha and Koumas while also giving minutes to returning players like Gomez, then it can become a very useful part of the campaign.

And after this result, Liverpool are safely through to the fourth round.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool head into the break 1–0 up against Spurs, thanks to a brilliant finish from Alexis Mac Allister.

It has been a decent first half from Liverpool, and I have to say, I’m liking what I’ve seen from Andoni Iraola’s changes.

The Liverpool manager made plenty of alterations to his starting XI, with several of the big names rested on the bench, and the team certainly looks fresher for it.

There has been more energy and movement, particularly from the younger players who have been given the opportunity to impress.

Liverpool haven’t had everything their own way, though.

Giorgi Mamardashvili has already been called upon, producing an excellent save to deny Lucas Bergvall early on.

Spurs then had another huge opportunity when Mohammed Kudus somehow missed what looked like a sitter.

Those are the moments that Liverpool have to be careful about in the second half.

At the other end, Liverpool have looked dangerous themselves, with Lewis Koumas going close to extending the lead.

And then came the moment that matters most.

Mac Allister produced an emphatic finish to put Liverpool in front.

It’s exactly why having experienced players like the Argentine in a team containing so many youngsters is important.

He provides the quality and composure while the likes of Trey Nyoni, James McConnell, Lewis Koumas and Rio Ngumoha get valuable experience around him.

Overall, I think Iraola will be pretty pleased.

The changes haven’t weakened Liverpool in the way some might have feared. If anything, they’ve injected some much-needed freshness into the team.

There is still a long way to go, and Spurs have shown enough to suggest Liverpool can’t switch off.

But at 1–0 up at half-time, with Isak, Barcola, Szoboszlai and Gravenberch all waiting on the bench, Liverpool are in a very good position.

Now the challenge is to finish the job.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Andoni Iraola has made major changes to his Liverpool starting XI for tonight’s clash with Spurs — and I have to say, I really like what he has done.

Liverpool will line up with Giorgi Mamardashvili in goal, with Jeremie Frimpong, Ronald Araújo, Joe Gomez and Milos Kerkez making up the defence.

In midfield, Trey Nyoni, Alexis Mac Allister and James McConnell get the nod, while Cody Gakpo, Lewis Koumas and Rio Ngumoha form the attacking options.

Liverpool XI

Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Araújo, Gomez, Kerkez; Nyoni, Mac Allister, McConnell; Gakpo, Koumas, Ngumoha.

Substitutes

Alisson, Endo, Jacquet, Szoboszlai, Isak, Munoz, Barcola, Gravenberch, Chambers.

And this is exactly the sort of opportunity I wanted to see.

I said before the game that I would have no problem with Van Dijk, Wirtz, Isak, Barcola and Szoboszlai being rested, and Iraola has gone even further by giving several players who haven’t had as many minutes a chance to impress.

There is a really exciting element to this team.

Nyoni, McConnell, Koumas and Ngumoha all have an opportunity to show the manager what they can do on a big night.

For Ngumoha in particular, this is another chance to demonstrate why Liverpool are so determined to keep him at the club despite interest from elsewhere.

Koumas also gets a huge opportunity in attack, while Nyoni and McConnell will be hoping to make their mark in midfield alongside the experienced Mac Allister.

I also like the fact that Mac Allister has been retained.

Liverpool need some experience in the side, and his presence could be particularly important in helping the younger players around him.

At the back, Araújo gets another opportunity alongside Gomez, while Frimpong and Kerkez should provide plenty of energy from the full-back positions.

And then look at that bench.

Szoboszlai, Isak, Barcola and Gravenberch are all available if Liverpool need them.

That gives Iraola some serious firepower to call upon later in the game.

This isn’t Liverpool taking Spurs lightly.

It’s Liverpool trusting the squad.

And that’s something I really wanted to see.

There are so many games to come this season that Liverpool simply cannot expect the same 11 players to play every minute. This is how you develop a squad and find out who can be trusted when the pressure is on.

Now it’s up to the players who have been given their opportunity.

Go out there, impress Iraola and give him a selection headache.

That’s exactly what I want to see tonight.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

There is plenty of interest in Rio Ngumoha, but the message coming from Liverpool appears to be very clear — they have no intention of selling him.

According to David Ornstein, Arsenal are among several clubs monitoring the Liverpool youngster, while RB Leipzig have also been credited with an interest.

Bayern Munich were previously interested as well, although their pursuit did not develop and Liverpool were never interested in selling Ngumoha.

That is exactly how I would want it.

Ngumoha is one of the most exciting young players at Liverpool and, at just 18, there is absolutely no reason for the club to be considering his departure.

The good news is that Liverpool are reportedly looking to renew his contract, with Ngumoha currently tied down until the summer of 2028.

There is no agreement on a new deal yet, but perhaps more importantly, Ornstein reports that there is no indication Ngumoha is unhappy at Liverpool.

That will be encouraging for supporters.

Naturally, when big clubs start showing an interest in a young player, questions are immediately raised about his future. But Liverpool don’t appear to be panicking.

Instead, the priority is reportedly to get Ngumoha committed to a longer-term deal and continue his development at Anfield.

The one thing that will be interesting to watch, however, is his game time under Andoni Iraola.

That’s where things could become more complicated.

Liverpool have serious competition for places in the wide positions, and players such as Cody Gakpo, Bradley Barcola and other attacking options are going to be fighting for minutes.

Ngumoha needs opportunities.

I’m not saying he should suddenly become a guaranteed starter every week, because he is still only 18 and there is plenty of time for him to develop.

But he needs to feel that there is a pathway into the first team.

That’s probably going to be one of Iraola’s biggest challenges when it comes to managing young players — giving them enough opportunities without putting too much pressure on them.

For me, Liverpool should be doing everything they can to keep Ngumoha.

Arsenal, Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig or anyone else can show an interest, but Liverpool should not be tempted into selling.

The youngster has already shown enough potential to suggest that he could have a very big future at Anfield.

Now it is about giving him the platform to fulfil it.

And if Iraola can gradually increase Ngumoha’s involvement while keeping the pressure off his shoulders, Liverpool could have a seriously exciting player on their hands.

The message from Liverpool should be simple: Rio Ngumoha is not for sale.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool could reportedly enter the race for one of the most experienced sporting directors in European football.

According to @Sport_Witness, Liverpool could make a move for Piero Ausilio, who recently left Inter Milan after many years at the Italian club.

Ausilio is a hugely experienced figure and his name being linked with Liverpool is certainly interesting given that the club have been looking at the structure of their sporting department.

There is already competition for his services, though.

Tottenham have reportedly been in discussions over a deal for Ausilio, but Liverpool’s potential entry into the negotiations could put pressure on Spurs to get an agreement over the line.

And if Liverpool are genuinely interested, I can understand why.

Ausilio has spent years working at the highest level and played a major role in Inter’s recruitment and squad building. He knows the European market extremely well and has experience dealing with big-name players, managers and agents.

For Liverpool, that kind of experience could be extremely valuable.

The club are entering another new era, with Andoni Iraola now in charge, and the recruitment structure around the manager is going to be hugely important.

A sporting director isn’t simply someone who signs players. The right person can help shape the club’s long-term strategy, identify targets, oversee recruitment and make sure the football operation has a clear direction.

That’s why I think this is a position Liverpool need to get right.

If Ausilio is genuinely available and Liverpool believe he is the right man for the job, they shouldn’t be put off by Tottenham’s interest.

Let Spurs talk.

Liverpool should make their own decision based on whether Ausilio fits what they want to build.

And there would certainly be something satisfying about Liverpool potentially swooping in and beating Tottenham to another important appointment.

Of course, at this stage this is only a report and there is no guarantee Liverpool will actually make an approach.

But the fact that Liverpool could now be entering the race makes this one worth watching.

If Piero Ausilio is on Liverpool’s shortlist, I’d be very interested to see where this goes.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool have reportedly entered the race to sign PSV Eindhoven midfielder Paul Wanner, with the Reds facing competition from two of Europe’s biggest clubs.

According to Sportowy, Liverpool have joined Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in showing an interest in the highly-rated 20-year-old.

Wanner is currently valued by PSV at around €45 million-€50 million, although the Dutch club could apparently consider negotiations if they receive a particularly attractive offer.

That is a serious price tag, but it also tells you how highly Wanner is regarded.

The German midfielder has already attracted plenty of attention during his development, and at just 20, there is clearly plenty of room for him to improve further.

For Liverpool, it would be another indication of the club looking towards the next generation of talent rather than simply signing established stars.

However, there is a significant complication.

Bayern Munich reportedly have an option to re-sign Wanner, which could have a major influence on his future.

That potentially puts Bayern in a very strong position if they decide they want to bring the midfielder back to Germany.

Liverpool would therefore have to convince both Wanner and PSV that Anfield is the right destination for the next stage of his career.

And with Real Madrid also reportedly interested, it certainly wouldn’t be a straightforward deal.

Still, I like the idea of Liverpool keeping tabs on players like Wanner.

The midfield is an area where Liverpool need to think beyond the present. With Iraola building his own team, bringing in young players with the potential to develop into top-level performers could be an important part of the club’s recruitment strategy.

Whether Liverpool would be prepared to pay €45m-€50m for Wanner is another question entirely.

But if the reports are accurate, Liverpool are at least in the conversation — and that’s one transfer story I’ll be keeping an eye on.

At 20, Wanner could potentially be an investment for the future rather than simply a signing for today.

And if Bayern and Real Madrid really are interested, Liverpool may need to move quickly if they decide he is the midfielder they want.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Jamie Carragher has made a pretty blunt assessment of Liverpool’s disappointing start to the season — and I have to say, I agree with a lot of what he said.

The former Liverpool defender believes the players have been poor for a long time and that, despite having a new manager in Andoni Iraola, Liverpool’s performances have simply not been good enough.

And when you look at the start Liverpool have had, it is difficult to argue with him.

Carragher pointed out that Liverpool probably should have had ten points from the opening fixtures, especially when you consider the schedule they were handed.

There was plenty of optimism coming into the season.

A new manager was supposed to bring a fresh start. Supporters were hoping to see more energy, more intensity and a team capable of putting last season’s disappointment behind them.

Instead, we’ve seen too many of the same problems.

Carragher said:

“These players have been really poor for a long time.”

That is a pretty damning assessment, but I think there is an important point behind it.

It would be very easy to look at Liverpool’s results and immediately start questioning Iraola. New manager, new system, disappointing performances — naturally, the manager becomes an easy target.

But I don’t think we’re at that stage.

Liverpool supporters should be looking at the players and demanding more from them.

These aren’t inexperienced youngsters who have suddenly been thrown into Premier League football. There are players in that squad who have won the Premier League, Champions League and domestic trophies.

They know what is expected at Liverpool.

And they simply haven’t been producing it consistently enough.

Carragher also made an interesting point about the usual cycle at football clubs. Last season, there was plenty of criticism directed towards Arne Slot, which Carragher felt was over the top. Now, with a new manager in charge, he believes the focus will naturally turn towards the players.

I think that’s fair.

Iraola needs time.

He needs the opportunity to mould the squad into his own team, implement his ideas and work out which players are capable of taking Liverpool forward.

But the players don’t get the luxury of simply waiting.

They need to respond now.

I want to see more intensity. More desire. More aggression. More responsibility from the senior players.

And, above all, I want to see Liverpool start playing like Liverpool again.

There is absolutely no reason this squad should be producing some of the performances we’ve seen so far.

Carragher is right — the players have got an awful lot more to give.

And now it’s time they showed it.

I don’t think Liverpool supporters are ready to turn on Iraola.

But I do think they’re entitled to look at the players and say: you’re better than this.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

If it was up to me, I’d be tempted to make some pretty significant changes to the Liverpool team for the tie against Spurs.

I’d like to see Virgil van Dijk, Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Bradley Barcola and Dominik Szoboszlai all given a rest.

That might sound like a lot of quality to leave out, but Liverpool have a long season ahead and this is exactly where squad depth needs to be used.

Van Dijk, in particular, is someone I wouldn’t be taking unnecessary risks with. At 35, managing his minutes during a busy period makes sense, especially when there are other defenders who need competitive minutes and the season is only getting started.

Wirtz and Szoboszlai are also players I’d be happy to see given a breather. Both are going to be hugely important to what Andoni Iraola wants to achieve this season, and keeping them fresh could be more valuable than simply playing them in every available game.

Then there’s Isak.

Liverpool have made a huge investment in their new striker and, after the excitement surrounding his arrival, I’d rather see him protected where possible. There is absolutely no point risking fatigue or a needless injury this early in the campaign.

The same applies to Barcola. His pace and ability to stretch defences could be a massive weapon for Liverpool this season, but that makes managing his workload even more important.

This isn’t about disrespecting Spurs or throwing the game away.

It’s about trusting the squad.

I’d like to see some of the players who haven’t had as many minutes get their opportunity and show Iraola that they can be relied upon. That is how you build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.

There is also something appealing about seeing a slightly different Liverpool side. We’ve already seen Iraola willing to make changes, and this is another opportunity to see which players are ready to step up.

Liverpool should still go to Spurs with the intention of winning. But I don’t think winning every game requires your strongest possible XI every time.

If Van Dijk, Wirtz, Isak, Barcola and Szoboszlai can get a well-earned rest while Liverpool still put out a team capable of beating Spurs, I’d be all for it.

The season is a marathon, not a sprint — and keeping the biggest players fresh could prove crucial when the really important games arrive.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

There aren’t many nicknames that immediately grab the attention of Liverpool supporters quite like this one.

Luca Eden has reportedly earned the nickname ‘mini Gerrard’ at Liverpool — and you can probably understand why that comparison would get people excited.

Of course, being compared to Steven Gerrard is an enormous compliment.

Gerrard wasn’t simply a talented midfielder. He became the embodiment of Liverpool for an entire generation, combining technical ability with power, aggression, leadership and an incredible desire to influence games.

So when a young player at the Academy starts being referred to as a ‘mini Gerrard’, supporters are naturally going to sit up and take notice.

It is important, though, not to put unnecessary pressure on Eden.

The Liverpool Academy has produced plenty of exciting young players over the years, and making comparisons with club legends can create expectations that are incredibly difficult for a teenager to meet.

Eden needs to be allowed to develop in his own way.

What makes the nickname interesting is that it suggests those watching him closely at Liverpool are already seeing qualities that remind them of Gerrard.

And if he can continue progressing, there is every reason for Liverpool supporters to keep an eye on his development.

The pathway to the first team isn’t easy, particularly at a club with Liverpool’s ambitions.

But we’ve seen time and time again that young players can break through when they are good enough.

Just imagine if, somewhere down the line, ‘mini Gerrard’ becomes a player Liverpool supporters are talking about as simply Luca Eden.

For now, though, it’s a nickname that is certainly going to get plenty of attention.

Jamie (The Kopite View)