Andoni Iraola has handed several Liverpool players a golden opportunity to force themselves back into contention at the club. The Spanish coach was confirmed as Arne Slot's replacement earlier this month.
Iraola's Philosophy
The 43-year-old was widely praised throughout his three-year tenure at Bournemouth, as he steered the Cherries to sixth in the table last season, securing the club's first-ever European campaign. A standout feature of Iraola's time on the south coast was his ability to develop players, with the likes of Dean Huijsen, Antoine Semenyo and Eli Junior Kroupi all becoming highly coveted.
Milos Kerkez spent two years under the manager's wing before completing his transfer to Anfield last year. Yet Iraola is approaching the entire Liverpool squad as though they are new signings.
"For me, and I will tell them, [they] are all new signings," he said. "For me, you are all new signings and I think we have a lot of quality in our squad, and [I'm] really looking forward to working with them."
Harvey Elliott
The 23-year-old will be desperate to revive his career following a disappointing loan spell at Aston Villa. Harvey Elliott was restricted to just nine appearances last term as Unai Emery's side opted against triggering the £35million clause to sign him permanently.
A year on from being named Player of the Tournament at the U21 Euros, the midfielder finds himself at a career crossroads. Before his Villa switch, Elliott had also seen his Liverpool playing time dwindle during Slot's debut season in charge. It has been a tough couple of campaigns for a player who regularly featured under Jurgen Klopp. However, another managerial change at Anfield hands him a chance to breathe new life into his Liverpool career.
Kostas Tsimikas
Kostas Tsimikas could hand Iraola and Liverpool an immediate solution. A left-back spot is up for grabs in the squad following Andy Robertson's departure this summer.
While Iraola is likely to give former Bournemouth star Kerkez the nod as his first-choice left-back, the Hungary international requires competition for his position. Tsimikas previously served as Robertson's deputy and could slot back into that familiar role at Anfield.
The 30-year-old spent last season on loan at Roma, making 25 appearances. However, Tsimikas still has a year remaining on his Liverpool deal and could prove a valuable squad option under Iraola.
Stefan Bajcetic
The young midfielder has faced a difficult few years since breaking into the Liverpool team. Bajcetic, once seen as a rising star, has struggled with injuries and a lack of consistent game time. Under Iraola, he may find a renewed path to first-team action.
James McConnell
The promising midfielder headed to Ajax last summer, but his switch to the Dutch giants did not go as planned. James McConnell had expected to work under Slot's former assistant John Heitinga, who was sacked just a few months into the job.
The 21-year-old featured in seven matches before officially returning to Liverpool in February and undergoing surgery on a shoulder injury. McConnell has played for the Reds on 13 occasions and will be eager to catch the eye of new manager Iraola this summer.
