Andoni Iraola did a great job in a 4-2-3-1 for Bournemouth (Image: Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth, via Getty Images)
Whoever takes charge of Liverpool next season, there is little doubt that the Reds’ midfield will require a major overhaul. Too often this season, the engine room has been surprisingly easily bypassed and exposed under Arne Slott. Its members appeared as spectators, showing signs of fatigue, or perhaps even disinterest. Now that Slott has left his role, the overhaul will be uncompromising and revolve around a fresh concept and new contract.
His replacement is likely to be Andoni Iraola, who is likely to use his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. He likes intensity, relentless pressing when not in possession of the ball and a very direct approach when in possession. Firstly, Liverpool need to sign a holding midfielder. It’s simply a position they have failed to properly address since Fabinho left Anfield three years ago.
Much of Jurgen Klopp’s achievements were based on the Brazilian’s lanky but strong frame, which allowed him to eliminate threats before they materialized.
Ryan Gravenbirch flourished in the title-winning 2024/25 season, but the Dutch star has struggled this season and was often left vulnerable as the Reds’ starting XI remained unstable.
Speculation is rife over a possible swoop for Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, with the England international reportedly worth around £100m.
Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Choameny has also been mentioned as a possible target, but he too would require a huge outlay in both transfer fees and wages.
Iraora should trust his former Bournemouth manager Alex Scott. Scott will undoubtedly command a big fee, with the Cherries reportedly hoping to keep the midfielder for at least another year.
But the dynamic and progressive Scot, 22, will be a more improved player than Alexis Mac Allister, who has been below his best for some time.
The double pivot of Scott and Graben-Birch could give Iraola’s attacking players time and space to cause maximum destruction. However, it does suggest that Liverpool may need to act quickly, as they face stiff competition from the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea.
In the Reds’ revamped midfield, Dominik Szoboszlai will finally be able to put his days as a right-back behind him and demonstrate his ability in a position ahead of Grabenbirch and Scott.
He is a deadly threat from range and has the energy to press high up the pitch, two qualities that were somewhat overlooked during his time as a versatile utility man in the slot this season.
Florian Wirths will also be able to play freely on the left wing and stake his claim to become Liverpool’s permanent creator.
Alex Scott could be the perfect signing for Liverpool this summer (Image: CameraSport, Getty Images)
He has shown glimpses of undeniable talent, but too often he has looked restless and out of touch with the action, even when deployed wide on the left.
Still, the 23-year-old shone for Germany in Sunday night’s World Cup pre-game against Finland, pulling the strings with a goal from the left wing with the license to drift centrally in a 4-2-3-1.
This will no doubt be welcome news for Iraola as it will give the German the freedom to pass the ball behind the likes of Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike.
Meanwhile, there is a lot of speculation regarding Curtis Jones leaving Liverpool this summer.
He is one of the Premier League’s most underrated players when it comes to getting forward with the ball, and Iraola would be wise to ensure the homegrown talent remains at the club, even if Jones has to compete for a place in the starting XI.
Keeping Jones would likely spell the end of Wataru Endo’s time at Anfield. Although he returned to international action on Sunday after a long injury spell, Endo’s cult hero status at Anfield is probably not enough to earn him a spot in Iraola’s midfield.
It is also possible to use another defensive midfielder in place of Endo. Monaco ace Lamine Camara, 22, looks like the ideal candidate as he has many traits reminiscent of former Monaco and Liverpool stalwart Fabinho.
Newcastle are also in contention for his signature, but while Kamara will need to earn a place in a double pivot, his transfer fee could put a significant strain on Anfield’s coffers.
So let’s talk about Harvey Elliott. The lifelong Liverpool supporter flourished under Klopp, but was loaned to Aston Villa under slot, where he struggled to feature regularly.
Equally comfortable playing on the right wing or in the center of midfield, Elliott has scored 15 goals in 149 appearances for the Reds and could provide an element of unpredictability as a squad option for Liverpool’s new manager.
