Liverpool's Enviable Dilemma: Fierce Battles for Isak and Barcola Signal Squad Strength

Despite Andoni Iraola's efforts to frame Liverpool's opening two matches of his reign in a positive light, the weight of back-to-back 2–2 draws had clearly taken its toll on the new manager. There was a visible sense of relief in Iraola's demeanor when he reflected on Friday night's 2–0 win over Ipswich Town: "We needed this one."

Alexander Isak's first brace for the club — scored within less than three first-half minutes before the clock had even reached double figures — effectively settled the match as a competitive affair before it had truly begun. That Liverpool managed to keep their hosts at arm's length for the remaining 80 minutes is itself an underappreciated achievement, given the defensive frailties Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest had exposed over the previous fortnight.

Yet, on a night full of genuine positives, attention was also drawn to a few dilemmas for Iraola — though, crucially, these are exactly the kind of problems every manager would welcome.

'My Fights With Him'—Iraola Reveals Frustration With Scoring Isak

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Isak's debut season at Liverpool was a disappointment on multiple fronts. A toxic atmosphere, persistent injuries and a lack of rhythm all contributed, but most observers fixated on his paltry return of just three Premier League goals. By the first Friday of September, Isak had already equalled that total.

Yet for Iraola, goals have never been the bone of contention with Isak. It is his off-the-ball contribution that draws far greater scrutiny.

"My demands will not be about the goals: he's fit, in a good shape and he will produce the numbers," Iraola told Sky Sports following Friday's win. "My fights with him are more about other stuff, how to help the team in other situations. But it's good he has played two full games and today a good amount of minutes, scoring the goals."

Alexander Isak's Premier League Record for Liverpool

Iraola's philosophy is built on relentless pressing, beginning with his striker, who is expected to spearhead the team's high press. The indefatigable Evanilson served as Iraola's center forward at Bournemouth for two seasons, winning possession in the opposition's final third once every 118 minutes on the pitch. Isak has logged 244 minutes this season and has disrupted the opposing defense just once.

"He has to contribute to the collective and when everyone helps, after the goals and results will come," Iraola explained.

"Today we were much, much better in our press," the Reds boss added. "We were winning the ball back high up the pitch and then we can find him [Isak] in good positions. If we recover the ball lower, it will be more difficult to find him with less space. So we need more quality effort to put our No. 9 in situations like he had today."

Cody Gakpo Giving Barcola and Iraola Headaches

Jamie Carragher has never been shy about voicing strong opinions, particularly regarding his former club. Liverpool's visit to Portman Road on Friday was barely 10 minutes old when the iconic former defender took to social media: "Barcola is going to struggle to get a game with this version of Gakpo."

It was a playful remark that nonetheless stirred Liverpool supporters, while also highlighting a genuine selection puzzle for Iraola.

Cody Gakpo provided the assists for both of Isak's goals against Ipswich, the second of which was an outside-of-the-boot delivery delivered with the swagger of a player brimming with confidence. The Dutch attacker, who came agonizingly close to a move to Manchester City during the summer, had already teed up Isak against Forest after netting Liverpool's first goal of the new campaign at St. James' Park.

Gakpo's blistering start to the season would ordinarily be cause for celebration, but with him excelling in the very position Liverpool invested $166 million (£123 million) to reinforce over the summer, some delicate conversations may lie ahead.

Bradley Barcola was handed a brief cameo on Friday, days after completing his high-profile move from Paris Saint-Germain. The pacey winger can operate on the right, but is most effective from the left flank — the same side Gakpo prefers.

Iraola chose to shift Gakpo into a central role when introducing Barcola for his debut in Suffolk, making use of the Dutchman's positional flexibility — a quality that may be called upon frequently as the season unfolds.

"Cody knows how much we value him, I think there is no doubt," Iraola said on Friday night. "I rate him very highly. Today again, after the two assists, he finishes [the game at] No. 9 to help us close the game. I think it's good to have Cody because he can play in the three positions up top and to have him in this place for this beginning of the season is good."