Iraola Scouts £125m Isak and £116m Wirtz at World Cup as Liverpool Rebuild Looms
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 15
Iraola Scouts £125m Isak and £116m Wirtz at World Cup as Liverpool Rebuild Looms
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 15
Summary
Day four of the World Cup gave new Liverpool coach Andoni Iraola a live read on key inherited players and targets as he starts reshaping a squad that slumped in its title defence.
£116m Florian Wirtz offered the clearest revival sign, thriving from the left in Germany's 7-1 win over Curacao after an underwhelming first season at Anfield.
Virgil van Dijk, 35 next month, underlined his importance with a goal and man-of-the-match display in the Netherlands' 2-2 draw with Japan, while Ryan Gravenberch assisted and Cody Gakpo stayed subdued.
19-year-old Yan Diomande strengthened his case as a Mohamed Salah successor by creating five chances in Ivory Coast's 1-0 win over Ecuador and earning man-of-the-match honors.
£125m Alexander Isak also boosted Iraola's early plans, scoring and assisting in Sweden's 5-1 win over Tunisia as Liverpool seek a fit focal point with Hugo Ekitike sidelined until next year.