Liverpool's Potential Starting XI if They Land Andoni Iraola as Their New Boss

Bournemouth fans will certainly find it far more palatable that departing manager Andoni Iraola is heading to Liverpool rather than Crystal Palace—a move they would consider beneath his caliber.

Iraola performed miracles on the south coast, with his tenure at the Vitality Stadium culminating in the club securing European football for the very first time. The Cherries have handled the transition from Iraola to his successor with great care, as the Spaniard reportedly met with incoming boss Marco Rose before his official appointment.

It appears unlikely that Iraola will have a similar handover conversation with his potential successor at Anfield. Arne Slot was shown the door on Saturday, barely twelve months after Liverpool's second Premier League title victory.

Fenway Sports Group (FSG) held on to the increasingly unpopular Dutchman through the end of the campaign before reconsidering their options. Having missed out on Xabi Alonso to Chelsea, FSG were determined not to let another top managerial target slip through their fingers.

Iraola is set to be confirmed as Liverpool's next manager, and here's a look at how the Reds might shape up under his leadership.

Andoni Iraola's Preferred Formation

Andoni Iraola is a coach driven by his footballing philosophy rather than any rigid attachment to the 4-2-3-1 system he frequently employed at Bournemouth.

Iraola's approach is intense and draws comparisons to Jürgen Klopp's high-energy brand of football, though with notable distinctions. He transformed the Cherries into one of the Premier League's most ferocious pressing sides, implementing a sophisticated and varied out-of-possession scheme designed to pin opponents wide and generate dangerous transitional opportunities.

In possession, Bournemouth were noticeably direct under Iraola's guidance. Forwards are expected to relentlessly attack the channels, with center-backs frequently launching balls over defensive lines. Ball-carrying is actively encouraged, and Iraola demands his players advance the ball as swiftly as possible.

Liverpool moved away from Klopp's electrifying football under Slot, who shifted toward a possession-based model that initially delivered greater consistency but far less excitement. Over time, fans grew weary of a style that lacked inspiration.

How Andoni Iraola Could Set Up at Liverpool

GK: Alisson—There has been speculation about Alisson potentially departing, but Giorgi Mamardashvili's inconsistent end to the season may persuade the club's hierarchy to hold onto the still-exceptional Brazilian shot-stopper.

RB: Jeremie Frimpong—Frimpong endured a difficult debut campaign at Anfield, and Liverpool are likely to explore the right-back market once again this summer. With potential alternatives still unclear, it's difficult to see anyone other than Frimpong starting in Iraola's backline.

CB: Jérémy Jacquet—Giovanni Leoni is making solid progress in his recovery from a serious knee injury and could be available for preseason. Jacquet is also young and relatively inexperienced, but he was brought in for a significant fee in January with the expectation that he would quickly establish himself as a first-team regular on Merseyside.

CB: Virgil van Dijk—The Liverpool stalwart may be entering his final season at the club in 2026–27. Iraola will no doubt look to exploit Van Dijk's exceptional long-range passing ability.

LB: Milos Kerkez—Iraola's appointment should be a boost for Kerkez, given that the Hungarian's transfer to Liverpool followed a season spent working directly under the Spaniard.

CM: Ryan Gravenberch—Slot deserves credit for overseeing Gravenberch's transformation from fringe player to key figure. The Dutch midfielder in his current form appears tailor-made for Iraola's system, even if there is still room for improvement out of possession.

CM: Alex Scott—The version of Alexis Mac Allister seen in 2025–26 could barely hold his place under Slot, let alone Iraola. A midfield addition is clearly necessary, with Adam Wharton emerging as one potential target. That said, Scott has already flourished under the incoming manager and would form a formidable ball-carrying partnership with Gravenberch in the double pivot.

RW: Yan Diomande—Rayan may be one to monitor for Liverpool this summer, but the club are prioritising a costly pursuit of dribbling sensation Diomande to fill the void left by Salah, who seems unlikely to reverse course despite Slot's departure.

AM: Dominik Szoboszlai—There will be no right-back experiment with Szoboszlai next season. Iraola could deploy Liverpool's tireless midfielder as the focal point of his press from an advanced position, initially managing Florian Wirtz's playing time.

LW: Cody Gakpo—A somewhat unexpected selection, considering Gakpo was a Slot favourite who notably underdelivered last season. However, if Liverpool invest heavily to replace Salah, there may be limited flexibility on the opposite flank. Diomande is effective on either side, and Hugo Ekitiké will also provide an option upon his return from an Achilles injury, expected around 2027. Young Rio Ngumoha will also be given ample opportunity.

ST: Alexander Isak—Isak will be eager to put a disappointing first season behind him and make a fresh start under Iraola. The Swede prefers the ball to feet, but he is a commanding presence when running in behind. Iraola will value the diversity of his movement.