After watching Liverpool come from two goals down to beat Villarreal 4-3, I’m finding it difficult not to get excited about what Andoni Iraola could build at Anfield.
Rio Ngumoha was outstanding. Alexis Mac Allister scored twice, Florian Wirtz found the net and Liverpool showed the character to turn a dreadful start into a memorable Champions League victory.
But here’s something worth remembering.
Liverpool are still without several important players, and we haven’t seen what this squad can look like when everybody is available.
Dominik Szoboszlai, Jeremie Frimpong, Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni are all dealing with injuries.
That’s a significant number of players missing, particularly when Liverpool are competing in the Premier League and Champions League while trying to progress in the domestic cups.
And yet, despite all those problems, Liverpool have won their first three Champions League matches.
There are certainly things to improve, but I don’t think we should lose sight of the bigger picture.
Szoboszlai’s return would be a massive boost
Let’s start with Szoboszlai, because his energy and intensity are qualities Liverpool need.
His hamstring problem has been frustrating, particularly after he tried to return against Brentford and was forced off again.
Iraola has urged patience rather than rushing him back, and I think that’s the right decision. Liverpool need Szoboszlai fit properly, not returning too early only to suffer another setback.
When he’s available, his pressing, movement and ability to drive Liverpool forward give the midfield another dimension.
Mac Allister has been showing encouraging signs, and Ryan Gravenberch provides another option, but having Szoboszlai back would give Iraola more flexibility.
The important thing is getting him right.
The right-back situation needs sorting
Liverpool’s injury problems at right-back have been particularly frustrating.
Frimpong has suffered another muscle injury, while Bradley remains sidelined with his serious knee injury.
That leaves Iraola having to find solutions rather than simply picking his preferred player for the position.
Ronald Araújo has shown he can offer an alternative, and his versatility could prove extremely useful over the coming weeks.
But ideally, Liverpool would have Bradley and Frimpong available as well.
They offer different qualities, and having both fit would give Iraola genuine options depending on the opponent and the type of game Liverpool need to play.
For now, the manager has to work with what he has. When those players return, the competition for places should become much healthier.
Ekitike and Leoni could add something different
Hugo Ekitike is another player Liverpool will want back when he’s ready.
Liverpool have invested heavily in their attacking options, but injuries can quickly leave a squad looking short. His return would give Iraola another forward to work with and help spread the workload across a demanding schedule.
Giovanni Leoni is a different situation.
After his serious knee injury, there’s no point rushing him. Iraola has made it clear that his rehabilitation needs to be handled carefully, and the priority has to be ensuring he returns ready to stay fit.
But I am looking forward to seeing Leoni develop at Liverpool.
The club clearly sees potential in him, and adding another centre-back option would be welcome as the season progresses.
Neither player should be expected to solve Liverpool’s problems overnight. Their returns would simply give the manager more choices.
And in a long season, those choices matter.
Don’t forget what we’ve already seen from Ngumoha
The Villarreal match also reminded us that Liverpool have exciting young players ready to contribute.
Ngumoha was the obvious example.
Liverpool were two goals behind, yet the teenager produced two assists and played a huge role in the comeback. He didn’t hide when the team needed somebody to take responsibility.
He took defenders on, created chances and helped change the entire mood of the match.
That is exactly the sort of performance that gives a manager something to think about.
I don’t want to put ridiculous expectations on an 18-year-old, but I do want to see him given opportunities to build on what he has done.
The same applies to Liverpool’s other young players. If they are good enough to contribute, they should have a chance to prove it.
Iraola needs competition throughout the squad, and Ngumoha has certainly made a case for himself.
There is still plenty for Iraola to work on
I don’t want this to sound as though injuries explain everything.
Liverpool’s defending against Villarreal was nowhere near good enough at times. Going two goals behind at Anfield was a serious warning, and conceding a late third made the closing stages far more uncomfortable than they needed to be.
Those problems need addressing regardless of who is injured.
But the response was encouraging.
Liverpool didn’t collapse. They fought back, took control of the match and found a way to win.
That’s something to build on.
Iraola is still working out his best combinations, managing a demanding schedule and trying to get the most out of a squad that hasn’t been available in full.
There will be difficult afternoons ahead. There will be games when the football isn’t good enough, and there will be times when supporters question his decisions.
That’s part of the journey.
What matters is whether Liverpool continue to improve.
Keep believing in the journey
I’m not promising Liverpool will win the league or the Champions League because a few injured players are going to return.
Football doesn’t work like that.
But I am saying there’s plenty of reason to remain optimistic.
Liverpool have shown they can score goals, fight back from adversity and get important results even when their squad is stretched.
Mac Allister is contributing goals. Wirtz is showing signs of improvement. Ngumoha is giving supporters something to get excited about, and Araújo is providing valuable versatility.
Now Liverpool need to tighten up defensively, get their injured players back safely and keep building consistency.
The best version of this Liverpool team may still be ahead of us.
Iraola deserves the opportunity to work with a healthier squad and show us what he can do with it.
So yes, I’m excited. I’m encouraged by what I’ve seen, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this team develops.
There is work to do, but there is also plenty of potential.
Keep believing in the journey. Liverpool have plenty more to come under Andoni Iraola.
By Jamie (The Kopite View)
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