Iraola’s Liverpool Attack: Why Isak and Wirtz Could Thrive

Possession With Intent Could Transform Liverpool

When I started looking properly at Andoni Iraola, the thing that stood out was not simply that his teams attack. Plenty of managers say they want to attack. Plenty of teams press. Plenty of teams want to play in the opposition half. The difference with Iraola is that the numbers begin to show a very clear attacking model, one built on purpose, territory and the creation of chaos in areas where opponents do not want chaos.

That phrase, possession with intent, matters. Iraola’s football is not possession for possession's sake. It is not keeping the ball because keeping the ball looks controlled. It is vertical football, played with the intention of getting into the final third quickly, winning it high when possible and then using short, short sharp passing, as seen in the graphic below, to turn that moment into a chance.

I find this appointment exciting from an attacking perspective. The teams he managed, such as Bournemouth and previously Rayo Vallecano, weren't composed of players from one of the league's top sides. He was working with limitations, yet his attacking principles were always clear. With the calibre of players Liverpool can provide, this could lead to an impressive development in their attack. Win the ball close to the goal. Attack before the opposition is set, create threat and get shots off from good areas.

For Liverpool, with better players, that should matter.

Attacking Numbers Show Real Promise

The raw attacking output at Bournemouth was solid rather than spectacular, but context is important. His team produced 1.5 goals per game and 1.63 expected goals per game. For a top side, you would generally want that xG number above two per game, but for a side outside the elite group, 1.63 is more than respectable.