Liverpool Are Exciting Again Under Andoni Iraola — But One Major Concern Remains
It is becoming exciting to watch Liverpool again.
There is a noticeable change in the way the Reds are playing under Andoni Iraola. The team looks more aggressive, fearless and attack-minded, with a clear intention to put opponents under pressure rather than simply dominate possession.
And that is exactly what Liverpool fans want.
Supporters want to see a team that plays with purpose, creates chances and gives them reasons to jump out of their seats. They want attacking football, players willing to take on defenders and a side that is not afraid to take risks.
Under Iraola, Liverpool are beginning to provide exactly that.
There is still a lot for the new manager to improve, but the early signs suggest this could become a genuinely entertaining Liverpool side.
The quality in the starting XI is certainly not in doubt.
Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak have brought additional attacking quality, while Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and Liverpool’s midfield options give Iraola plenty of weapons going forward.
However, their Champions League clash with Atlético Madrid exposed one significant weakness: Liverpool’s squad depth may not be on the same level as their starting XI.
When the match became increasingly demanding, the players introduced from the bench struggled to have the same influence as those who had started.
That is not necessarily a criticism of the substitutes themselves. Rather, it highlights the difference in quality between Liverpool’s strongest players and the options available behind them.
For a club competing across the Premier League, Champions League and domestic competitions, that difference could become crucial.
Over a long campaign, Liverpool will inevitably face injuries, suspensions, tired legs and a relentless fixture schedule. Iraola will need players from the bench who can come on after an hour and keep the intensity high — or even change the direction of a match.
Against Atlético Madrid, that extra spark was difficult to find.
The absence of Hugo Ekitike for an extended period also shows just how quickly Liverpool’s depth can be tested.
Still, there is plenty of reason for optimism.
Iraola appears to be building a clear identity. Liverpool are playing with greater intensity, attacking ambition and personality, and there is a growing sense of excitement around the team.
After periods of predictable football last season, seeing Liverpool willing to play on the front foot again is a welcome change.
But if the Reds are serious about challenging for the biggest trophies, their squad must eventually provide the same level of quality as their best XI.
The Atlético Madrid match served as an important warning.
Liverpool undoubtedly possess enough talent to compete with Europe’s strongest sides, and Iraola clearly has the philosophy to make them an exciting team.
The next step is ensuring he has enough quality beyond his preferred starting players.
Iraola may have made Liverpool exciting again. Now, he must make sure there is enough strength in depth to keep that excitement alive throughout the entire season.
