Andoni Iraola has completed his first ten Premier League games as Liverpool manager, and there are already some clear winners and losers emerging from his time at Anfield.
Liverpool currently sit fourth in the table with 18 points, and while there have been a few frustrating performances, there are plenty of reasons to be encouraged.
Their only league defeats have come against Manchester City and Arsenal, while the recent 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace ensured the Reds headed into the international break on a positive note.
But perhaps the most interesting aspect of Iraola’s opening ten games is how differently certain players have responded to his arrival.
Some have taken their opportunities and established themselves as key figures. Others are struggling to convince the new manager that they deserve a regular place.
So, who are the biggest winners and losers?
THE WINNERS
Alexander Isak – Finally looking like Liverpool’s number nine
Alexander Isak is arguably one of the biggest beneficiaries of Iraola’s arrival.
His first season at Liverpool was difficult, with injuries and fitness problems preventing him from showing his best form consistently.
There is now a different feeling around the Swedish striker.
He is looking sharper, getting into better positions and starting to deliver the goals Liverpool need from their centre-forward.
His late strike against Crystal Palace was another important moment, taking his league tally to seven goals after ten games.
Iraola clearly believes in his ability, and the challenge now is to keep supplying him with the quality service he needs.
Liverpool spent a huge amount of money bringing Isak to Anfield. We need to see the rewards, and the early signs under Iraola are encouraging.
Alexis Mac Allister – Back to being one of Liverpool’s most important players
Mac Allister is another massive winner.
There were serious questions about his performances and fitness during the previous campaign, but the Argentine has responded impressively.
He now looks like the first name on the teamsheet in Liverpool’s midfield.
His ability to dictate play, find forward passes and control the tempo makes him hugely important to the way Iraola wants his team to operate.
His goal against Crystal Palace was another reminder of what he offers, while his intelligence and composure make him one of Liverpool’s most reliable performers.
For me, Mac Allister is somebody Liverpool should be building their midfield around.
He still needs the right players alongside him, particularly someone who can provide greater defensive protection, but his importance to this team is becoming increasingly obvious.
Jérémy Jacquet – A young defender thriving under Iraola
Iraola deserves credit for trusting Jacquet.
Young centre-backs need opportunities, patience and confidence from their manager. Jacquet has received all three, and he is showing why Liverpool invested in his potential.
He has had difficult moments, which is perfectly understandable at this stage of his development, but he is gaining valuable experience and looks increasingly comfortable at senior level.
Iraola previously demonstrated his willingness to trust young defenders, and Jacquet appears to be benefiting from that approach.
Liverpool have a potentially excellent long-term defensive partnership developing with Jacquet and Virgil van Dijk.
There is still plenty of development ahead, but the signs are encouraging.
Trey Nyoni – Another youngster making his opportunity count
Nyoni deserves enormous credit for the way he has taken his chances.
The 19-year-old has gone from being an exciting academy prospect to a genuine contender for regular first-team involvement.
His full Premier League debut against Arsenal was a major milestone, and he has shown enough quality to suggest he belongs in the conversation.
He offers energy, technical ability and the willingness to play forward.
I have been saying for some time that Liverpool need to give their younger players opportunities, and Nyoni is demonstrating why.
However, we must be careful not to put too much pressure on him. He is still developing, and Liverpool cannot expect a teenager to solve all their midfield problems.
A new contract would be thoroughly deserved, and securing his future should be a priority.
Ronald Araújo – From loan signing to Anfield favourite
What a signing Araújo has turned out to be.
The Barcelona defender has quickly become a cult hero among Liverpool supporters, with his commitment, physicality and versatility making him an important part of Iraola’s team.
He has made the right-back position his own, keeping Jeremie Frimpong out of the starting XI.
Araújo brings defensive strength, aggression and leadership, while also offering an attacking threat.
I particularly like the mentality he brings to the team. He looks fully committed every time he pulls on the shirt.
Liverpool have an option to make his move permanent, and I would certainly like to see the club explore that possibility if his performances continue.
At this stage, he looks like one of Iraola’s most successful decisions.
THE LOSERS
Federico Chiesa – Where does he fit into Iraola’s plans?
Chiesa’s Liverpool future is becoming increasingly difficult to understand.
The Italian has struggled to establish himself since arriving at Anfield, and his omission from Liverpool’s Champions League squad has raised further questions about his position in the squad.
There is no doubt about his ability, but availability, competition and tactical suitability have all worked against him.
Liverpool have several attacking options, and Chiesa appears to be falling further down the pecking order.
It is disappointing because he has the quality to offer something different, but football is about what happens on the pitch, not reputation.
A January departure could become a possibility if things don’t improve.
Wataru Endo – Running out of opportunities
Endo’s situation is another difficult one.
The Japanese midfielder has rarely featured prominently in Iraola’s plans, and he looks increasingly on the outside.
His contract expires next summer, so Liverpool must decide what happens next.
I have always appreciated Endo’s commitment and willingness to do the dirty work, but the reality is that he needs to be playing more football.
If Iraola doesn’t see him as part of his plans, it would make sense for Liverpool to consider the options rather than allow his contract situation to drift.
He deserves respect for everything he has given the club, but his future looks uncertain.
Jeremie Frimpong – Araújo has taken his place
Frimpong’s Liverpool career has not really got going.
Injuries have disrupted his progress, and Araújo’s performances have made it difficult for him to reclaim the right-back position.
There is no questioning Frimpong’s attacking ability, but Liverpool need consistency and reliability from their full-backs.
Reports linking him with a possible move to Saudi Arabia add another layer of uncertainty.
Personally, I wouldn’t make a decision on Frimpong without considering his injury record and whether he can still make an impact under Iraola.
But he has work to do if he wants to become a regular starter again.
Ryan Gravenberch – Facing a fight when he returns
Gravenberch is perhaps the most interesting case because his situation is not necessarily about a loss of confidence from the manager.
The Dutch midfielder has been struggling with a heel injury, and his absence has given others opportunities.
Mac Allister has become increasingly important, while Nyoni has made a strong case for more involvement.
When Gravenberch returns, he will need to prove he deserves his place.
He has excellent technical ability and can carry the ball through midfield, but Liverpool need greater consistency and defensive responsibility from that area.
I wouldn’t write him off. There is a very good player there, but nobody should be guaranteed a starting position simply because of their reputation or contract.
Competition for places is exactly what this squad needs.
Iraola is starting to find out who he can rely on
Ten games is still a relatively small sample, and I wouldn’t make any final judgements about the entire squad just yet.
But there are encouraging signs.
Isak is scoring, Mac Allister is looking like his old self, Jacquet and Nyoni are developing, and Araújo has become an important figure.
At the same time, players such as Chiesa, Endo and Frimpong have questions to answer, while Gravenberch will have to fight for his place when he returns.
The important thing is that Iraola must be allowed to build a team around the players who fit his football.
Liverpool have some difficult decisions ahead, particularly in midfield and at full-back. The manager needs the freedom to make those decisions without being restricted by reputations or previous transfer fees.
My verdict?
I like what Iraola is starting to build, even if there is still plenty of work to do.
We are not title challengers just yet, and I never expected that to happen overnight. The priority should be securing Champions League qualification, progressing in the cups and giving Iraola the time and backing to develop his own team.
But one thing is becoming clear after ten league games: some Liverpool players are thriving under the new manager, while others are running out of opportunities.
And I suspect there will be more changes before this squad is exactly where Iraola wants it.
By Jamie (The Kopite View)
Leave a Reply