Andoni Iraola’s Alexander Isak masterplan: Liverpool boss backs striker to become a ‘massive’ force

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has revealed his ambitions for Alexander Isak, insisting the Swedish striker can play a major role for the Reds this season after recovering from an injury-hit start to life at Anfield.

Liverpool made significant investments in Isak and Florian Wirtz last summer, spending more than £200 million on the attacking duo as part of their squad rebuild. However, both players experienced contrasting fortunes during their first campaign on Merseyside.

While Wirtz gradually found his rhythm and finished with seven goals across all competitions, Isak struggled to make a consistent impact after injuries disrupted his progress.

Iraola, however, believes the former Newcastle United forward has the qualities to become one of Liverpool’s most important players if he maintains his fitness.

Iraola sees Isak as a key figure

Speaking about Isak’s return, Iraola praised the striker’s condition and revealed he has already seen encouraging signs during training.

The Liverpool boss believes a strong pre-season will be crucial in preparing the 25-year-old for the challenges ahead.

“I think he has come in a good place. I think he was good in the World Cup. I saw him comfortable. First training (session) here, I think I’ve seen a good version of Alex.”

Although Isak has only recently resumed training, Iraola is hopeful the striker can build his fitness ahead of the new campaign and rediscover the form that made him one of Europe’s most feared forwards.

“Still it’s very early because he has just started training, but I hope he can have some minutes against Leeds and build properly a proper pre-season.”

He added:

“It’s not going to be very long, but he will have three or four weeks of quality training, I hope, and we can put him in a good place because he is going to be massive for us this season.”

Isak’s return to full fitness will be a major boost for Liverpool, with the club hoping he can replicate the goalscoring form that previously saw him reach double figures regularly in the Premier League.

Wirtz to remain in central role

Alongside Isak, Iraola also addressed Florian Wirtz’s role after the German midfielder endured an inconsistent debut season.

Wirtz was often deployed on the left side under former Liverpool manager Arne Slot, featuring there 14 times, but struggled to influence games as Liverpool searched for creativity in attack.

Iraola has now confirmed that the 23-year-old will be given the opportunity to operate in his preferred central role behind the striker.

“Obviously like all the players, but with Flo especially, we need a good version of Florian. We know what he can give us, he’s also suited to our game model.”

The Liverpool manager believes Wirtz’s versatility remains a strength but wants to maximise his qualities in a position where he can have greater influence.

“I see him probably more that position behind the striker. We know that he was played more on the left sometimes but we are going to start working with him in that position behind the striker.”

He added:

“He is quite complete as a player. We want to try to add more things to what he already has which is very good.”

Liverpool prepare for pre-season test

Liverpool’s preparations continued in the United States, although Isak, Wirtz and Ryan Gravenberch were absent from the squad that travelled to New York City for their pre-season meeting with Wrexham.

The Reds are scheduled to face Leeds United next at Soldier Field in Chicago, where Iraola will continue assessing his squad ahead of the new Premier League season.