World Cup 2026: Interesting day of scouting for Liverpool manager Iraola

New Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola is using the World Cup as an opportunity to examine the players he has left at his disposal, as well as scout those he could bring in to revamp a squad that has been unsuccessful in defending its Premier League title. Iraola, who replaced the sacked Arne Slot, had an interesting day watching all the matches on day four of the tournament. What has caught the attention of Iraola as he tries to revive Liverpool after joining from Bournemouth? Wirtz can reach his potential
Florian Wirtz arrived at Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen last summer for a British-record £116m but has remained an enigma, failing to live up to expectations. Liverpool remain hopeful of a talented attacking player who has just turned 23, and one of Iraola's main tasks is to find the German a comfortable position to unleash his potential.That's why Iraola was intrigued by what he saw from Wirtz in Germany's opening match against Curacao, which ended in a 7-1 victory. It is important to note that the opponent was ranked 82nd in the world, but in his country's form and in favorable conditions, Wirtz showed moments of brilliance. In his first season at Anfield, Wirtz often looked like a square peg in a round hole, playing behind the strikers and on the wings but not making his mark. In Houston, Wirtz played left wing, which may have given Iraola pause, especially given Cody Gakpo's poor season at that position. He set up Germany's first goal for Felix Nmechi, displaying the same exquisite technique and quick thinking that had let him down so often last season. Wirtz made 39 touches in the final third, playing a key role in defeating the opposition. Former England striker Chris Sutton, who commentated on the match for BBC Radio 5 Live, said: "You can't forget it was Curacao, but Liverpool fans watching the game, especially in the first half, might have wondered if it was the same Florian Wirtz who played for them last season. He looked happy in the Germany kit, playing with ease and freedom."Mixed fortunes of the Dutch trio Iraola
Virgil van Dijk will remain one of the main pillars of Liverpool's new era under Iraola. This is confirmed by his performance for the Netherlands in a 2-2 draw with Japan in Dallas. The result was a disappointment for Ronald Koeman's side, who twice blew the lead, but Van Dijk was named man of the match. Van Dijk, who turns 35 in July, scored and provided a major barrier to a Dutch defense that had looked shaky at times. He gave the Netherlands the lead in the 51st minute with a well-placed header. When Japan went on the offensive late in the match, it was Van Dijk who almost secured victory with several powerful clearances. Ryan Gravenberch, who Iraola is hoping to return to the superb form he showed when Liverpool won the Premier League in Slot's first season, was reliable and set up Van Dijk's first goal with a superb cross.

In a statistical curiosity, Gravenberch’s assist for Van Dijk was only the second goal in the history of the World Cup, which was scored and assisted by Liverpool players after Ian Callaghan assisted Roger Hunt against France in 1966. Gravenberch also provided an assist for Crisencio Summerville's second goal.However, Iraola might have wanted to see more from the third member of Liverpool's Dutch trio as Gakpo had a dull match. Gakpo's game had become predictable last season too, too often he was limited to simply going inside and being easily read by opponents as his form waned. He fell into similar traps against Japan, although his performance may not have been made any easier by coach Koeman's choice at left-back. Diomande shows Iraola why he's interesting
Filling the huge vacancy left by Mohamed Salah's departure will be one of Iraola's top priorities when he sits down at Liverpool. RB Leipzig's 19-year-old Yann Diomande has become a name on many's lips as a target who could take the place of the "Egyptian King". He is one of Europe's hottest properties and demonstrated why Liverpool are actively considering him as a potential candidate with an outstanding performance in the Ivory Coast's 1-0 win against Ecuador. Diomande played on the right flank in the first half, where he could have played if he had signed for Liverpool, and in the second half he created five scoring chances on the left flank. He constantly troubled Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie in the opening 45 minutes with one electrifying breakthrough, leaving the Ecuadorian behind to create a chance for Nicolas Pepe.Diomande also showed strength and agility to evade capture as Ecuador tried to stifle his threat. He created another chance in the second half when Elie Vahi hit the crossbar and his active play was reflected in 22 passes in the attacking third. There are, understandably, elements of rawness and wastefulness in his performance, but there are enough facts to understand why he will be on Liverpool's radar as they strengthen Iraola's new squad. Given Iraola's experience of working with young players at Bournemouth such as 19-year-old Junior Crupi and fellow teenager Brazil striker Ryan, Diomande appears to be the perfect fit for him. Issac's masterclass inspires Iraola
Alexandre Issac's record £125m move to Liverpool from Newcastle was a nightmare due to a loss of form and injury in a poor season that saw the Swede score just four goals in 22 appearances. The 26-year-old striker was out of shape after a period of self-isolation on Tyneside and broke his leg while scoring for Liverpool in a 2-1 win over Tottenham in December.Iraola, therefore, must have been delighted to see Issac in brilliant form as Sweden thrashed Tunisia 5-1 in Monterrey. Issac could have capitalized on a goalkeeping error for his first goal, but the way he attacked the Tunisian defense and showed the confidence to strike should inspire Iraola. He showed strength and awareness to win the ball from Tunisia captain Elyes Skhiri and set up a goal for his attacking partner Victor Gyokeres in the second half. This made Issak and Gjokeres only the second pair of Swedish teammates to record a goal and an assist in the same World Cup match since 1966. Issac looked fit and fit, being named man of the match before leaving the field in the dying seconds, and with fellow striker Hugo Ekitike ruled out until next year with an Achilles injury, Iraola will be hoping for Issac to be in peak form next season.---## Related Articles1. ਹਾਲਾਤਾਂ ਦੇ ਸਹਾਰੇ ਵਿਸ਼ਵ ਕੱਪ 2026 'ਤੇ ਨੀਦਰਲੈਂਡ-ਜਾਪਾਨ ਦਾ ਮੈਚ ਸਮੇਂ 'ਤੇ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਹੋਇਆ 2. Mundial 2026