A world-class attacker is coming back to Liverpool this week.

Pre-season is a hugely important period for Andoni Iraola as he begins life as Liverpool head coach.

While the primary focus will be on building fitness and preparing the squad for the new season, it will also be Iraola’s first real opportunity to work closely with his players and introduce the tactical principles that have defined his coaching career.

Advertisement

It’s an equally significant period for Liverpool’s younger players. A new manager often brings a fresh perspective, meaning academy prospects and fringe players have the chance to make an impression regardless of what came before. Training sessions and pre-season friendlies will be their opportunity to prove they can meet the physical and tactical demands of Iraola’s high-intensity style.

For those youngsters, a strong summer could completely change the course of their season. Impressing now could earn them a place in the first-team squad rather than another campaign waiting for opportunities on the sidelines or out on loan.

From Iraola’s point of view, pre-season is also a chance to assess whether Liverpool already possess some of the profiles he is looking for. Rather than turning immediately to the transfer market, he may find that a number of internal solutions are ready to step up.

With competition for places set to be fierce, the next few weeks could play a crucial role in shaping both Liverpool’s squad and Iraola’s plans for the season ahead.

Advertisement

Already, we’ve seen some small templates of what to expect. There’s been more intensity in the training sessions and there has been a clear drive at getting the players to release the ball quicker.

All of that is geared towards Liverpool playing a more intense and direct style of football that is more in line with what the Reds’ identity had become under Jurgen Klopp.

Iraola looks very excited to get his ideas implemented and he’s also been very eager to get the younger players involved as he clearly recognises that this is where the future of the club lies.

Of course, Liverpool cannot afford to just rely on younger players. The Reds need new signings. It’s been a quiet month. After acquiring Victor Munoz back in June, Liverpool have not been very active in the market.

Advertisement

News around transfers has been largely negative with the club’s top target Yan Diomande rejecting the Reds in favour of the two-time Champions League winners Paris Saint Germain.

This combined with the fact that a lot of players are still at the World Cup means Iraola is going to have to select from a very limited squad.

But not for long.

Some of the club’s key players are going to be returning to Liverpool this week.

Those competing at the World Cup had been given three weeks off after their elimination from the tournament.

This means that Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo and Florian Wirtz are all due to come back to Liverpool this week after being eliminated from the round of 32 last month.

Advertisement

However, they won’t be the only ones coming back to the AXA training centre.

One of the best forwards in the world in Alexander Isak is going to be coming back as well. On the back of a good World Cup and having finally regained some form, it’s going to be really special seeing him play under Iraola.

The Spaniard’s style of play will really suit Isak and he’s also going to have an extensive pre-season which means he should be back in great shape come the start of the season.

Isak is clearly a world-class player and to finally see him being used in the right way at Liverpool is going to be a great sight to behold.