4 Liverpool Players Whose Long-Term Futures Could Be Uncertain Under Andoni Iraola
Andoni Iraola enjoyed a winning return to Bournemouth as Liverpool edged his former club 1-0 at the Vitality Stadium.
The Reds struggled to create much in the opening 45 minutes, but they improved after the break. Alexander Isak eventually made the difference, scoring his fourth goal of the season in the 56th minute to secure another three points for Liverpool.
The victory was Liverpool’s second in their opening five Premier League matches, with Iraola’s side still unbeaten.
With five games now played, Iraola appears to be settling on his preferred starting XI. As a result, several established players have found themselves with fewer opportunities than expected, raising questions about their long-term roles at Anfield.
1. Ryan Gravenberch
Ryan Gravenberch has been an important part of Liverpool since joining from Bayern Munich in 2023. He has already made 143 appearances for the club and helped them win the Premier League and Carabao Cup.
The midfielder became a regular under Arne Slot, particularly after making the holding midfield position his own. However, his situation has changed since Iraola took charge.
Although Gravenberch has featured in every league game this season, he has started only twice and was once again restricted to a substitute appearance against Bournemouth.
Iraola currently appears to favour Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai as his preferred midfield pairing. However, with Liverpool not possessing huge depth in the position, an injury could quickly give Gravenberch another opportunity to establish himself.
2. Jeremie Frimpong
Jeremie Frimpong has struggled to make the impact expected since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen, although he had the difficult task of filling the void left by Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The Dutchman has also had to adapt to the physical demands of English football. At times, he has been used further forward on the right wing in an attempt to get more from his attacking qualities.
Under Iraola, though, Frimpong has found opportunities limited. New signing Ronald Araujo has taken the right-back spot, while Szoboszlai has also been used in the position.
Frimpong has made three league appearances this season, starting two matches, but his performances have yet to secure him a regular place in Iraola’s starting lineup.
3. Federico Chiesa
Federico Chiesa’s arrival was initially viewed as a smart and potentially underrated piece of business for Liverpool.
However, his spell at Anfield has failed to reach the expected level. He struggled to secure regular minutes under Slot and was unable to consistently impress when given opportunities.
Injuries have also disrupted his time in England, with the Italian currently recovering from a back problem.
His chances of earning regular football may become even slimmer when he returns. Liverpool spent more than £110 million on Bradley Barcola during the summer, while Cody Gakpo remained at the club and Rio Ngumoha is gradually receiving more playing time.
With Chiesa primarily operating on the wing, competition for attacking positions could make it difficult for him to establish himself under Iraola.
4. Wataru Endo
Wataru Endo has largely been viewed as a squad player since joining Liverpool and his situation appears even more difficult under Iraola.
The Japanese midfielder was on the bench for Liverpool’s first four league matches but was not included in the squad for the Bournemouth trip. He has yet to play a single minute this season and was also omitted from Liverpool’s Champions League squad for the opening part of the campaign.
Iraola has acknowledged the competition Endo faces for a place in midfield.
The Liverpool manager explained that Endo is competing with several players, including Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai and Trey Noni, but also stressed that he likes the midfielder and expects him to get his opportunities.
For now, however, Endo appears to be facing a difficult battle for regular minutes.
