Five Liverpool Players Who Must Step Up Under Andoni Iraola

A new manager always brings fresh opportunities.
For some players, Andoni Iraola’s arrival at Liverpool represents a chance to establish themselves as key figures in a new era.
For others, it may be their final opportunity to prove they belong at Anfield.
Here are five Liverpool players who, in my opinion, simply have to step up this season.

1. Cody Gakpo
   Few players have divided opinion quite like Cody Gakpo.
   At times, he has looked capable of producing moments of genuine quality.
   At others, he has drifted through games without making the impact supporters know he is capable of.
   With Mohamed Salah gone, Liverpool need more goals and more consistency from their attackers.
   If Gakpo can finally deliver that on a regular basis, he could become one of Iraola’s most important players.
   If not, questions about his long-term future are likely to grow.
2. Harvey Elliott
   Harvey Elliott has already impressed Iraola with his attitude after reporting back early for pre-season.
   The talent has never been in doubt.
   Now he needs to turn that promise into consistent performances.
   Competition for places is fierce, but Elliott has the creativity and work ethic to earn an important role if he can maintain his early momentum.
   This feels like a defining season in his Liverpool career.
3. Stefan Bajčetić
   Few Liverpool supporters have forgotten how impressive Bajčetić looked when he first broke into the first team.
   Unfortunately, injuries have repeatedly interrupted his development.
   Now back in training, he has a chance to remind everyone why he was regarded as one of Europe’s brightest young midfielders.
   If he can stay fit, he could feel like an entirely new signing.
   Availability is now just as important as ability.
4. Jeremy Jacquet
   Replacing Ibrahima Konaté was never going to be easy.
   Jeremy Jacquet now arrives with enormous expectations and a significant transfer fee attached to his name.
   Fortunately, he also arrives with the attributes Liverpool need.
   Strong.
   Athletic.
   Comfortable on the ball.
   He won’t be expected to replace Konaté overnight, but Liverpool will need him to settle quickly if they are to challenge for major honours.
5. Rio Ngumoha
   This may surprise some people.
   But I genuinely believe Rio Ngumoha has a huge opportunity.
   Reports suggest Iraola is even considering using him on the right side of Liverpool’s attack.
   If Liverpool do not sign another specialist right winger before the transfer window closes, the pathway becomes even clearer.
   Ngumoha has already shown confidence, pace and fearlessness well beyond his years.
   Now comes the challenge of proving he can do it consistently against senior opposition.

A Huge Season Ahead
Every successful team needs players to improve.
Liverpool already possess plenty of quality.
The difference between competing for trophies and falling short may come down to whether players such as Gakpo, Elliott, Bajčetić, Jacquet and Ngumoha can all reach another level.
Andoni Iraola has built his reputation on developing players and getting more from the squads he inherits.
If he can do that again at Liverpool, supporters may be pleasantly surprised by just how much quality was already waiting inside the dressing room.

Jamie (The Kopite View)