Liverpool supporters have spent much of the past year asking the same question.
What happened to the players who looked capable of dominating English and European football?
Florian Wirtz struggled to justify his enormous price tag.
Cody Gakpo became increasingly predictable.
Jeremie Frimpong never truly looked comfortable.
Several others appeared to play well below the levels supporters knew they were capable of reaching.
Now, after just a few World Cup matches, something interesting is happening.
Many of those same players suddenly look like themselves again.
And while Andoni Iraola has yet to take charge of a competitive Liverpool match, the evidence suggests he may already hold the key to solving Liverpool’s biggest problem.
It Was Never About a Lack of Talent
One thing the World Cup has demonstrated is that Liverpool’s players did not suddenly become poor footballers.
Florian Wirtz has looked outstanding for Germany.
Operating with freedom, he has dictated attacks, created chances and reminded everyone why Liverpool invested so heavily in him.
Cody Gakpo has also rediscovered his confidence.
After a difficult opening game, he exploded into life against Sweden with two goals and an assist, looking direct, unpredictable and full of belief.
Alexis Mac Allister has controlled games for Argentina from a deeper midfield role, once again showing the intelligence and composure that made him one of Liverpool’s best performers before last season’s struggles.
Alexander Isak has continued his excellent form for Sweden, while Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch have also produced strong displays for the Netherlands.
The talent has always been there.
Liverpool’s Biggest Problem
That is why many supporters believe Liverpool’s biggest issue was never the quality of the squad.
It was getting the best out of that quality.
Too often last season, Liverpool looked rigid.
Predictable.
Overly cautious.
Players appeared restricted rather than encouraged.
Confidence gradually disappeared.
The World Cup has shown what happens when those same players are placed into systems that suit their strengths.
Why Iraola Could Change Everything
This is where Andoni Iraola becomes so important.
The Spaniard has built his reputation by creating teams that play with energy, aggression and freedom.
His players are encouraged to take risks.
To attack defenders.
To carry the ball.
To force situations.
Rather than asking creative players to fit into a rigid structure, Iraola’s philosophy often allows them to express themselves.
That sounds exactly like what Liverpool’s attacking players need.
Fresh Eyes, Fresh Ideas
Perhaps the greatest advantage of appointing a new manager is perspective.
Iraola arrives without preconceptions.
Every player begins with a clean slate.
For footballers who finished last season under intense scrutiny, that fresh start could prove invaluable.
Players who looked short of confidence may suddenly rediscover it.
Roles may change.
Responsibilities may change.
And with those changes could come dramatically improved performances.
The Squad Suddenly Looks Strong Again
Watching Liverpool’s players excel for their national teams has altered perceptions.
Instead of asking how many replacements Liverpool need, supporters are beginning to ask a different question.
What if the players are already good enough?
What if they simply needed a manager capable of unlocking their full potential?
That possibility is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
A New Beginning
It would be unfair to expect Andoni Iraola to transform Liverpool overnight.
He still has enormous challenges ahead.
But the World Cup has offered an encouraging reminder.
Liverpool already possess an abundance of talent.
If Iraola can recreate the freedom, confidence and intensity these players are showing for their countries, he may discover that Liverpool’s biggest solution has been sitting inside the squad all along.
And that should excite every Liverpool supporter ahead of the new season.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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