Coach Andoni Iraola's emotions at this time must be very special. Following the first week of the 2026 World Cup, the new Liverpool captain must have experienced enough levels of emotions, from excitement, curiosity to a bit of worry.
Can Florian Wirtz - who showed class and excellent form in Germany's opening match - recreate that performance in Liverpool's colors? And is Alexander Isak's version who stirred up Tunisia's defense the striker that Iraola expects to lead The Kop's attack next season?
If he sees the World Cup as a reality survey, Iraola is probably collecting countless valuable data. The biggest questions he has faced since taking over Liverpool are now gradually being answered right on the biggest football stage on the planet.
Information and positive signals continuously appear from all directions. The remaining question is whether he can take advantage of them to help Liverpool enter a new cycle of success or not.
Among them, Florian Wirtz is still the most noteworthy problem. The "Reds" spent up to 116 million pounds to bring the German international to Anfield, making him one of the most expensive contracts in club history. And right in the opening match of the World Cup, Wirtz proved why he was so highly rated.
Under the guidance of Julian Nagelsmann, Wirtz was arranged to play on the left in attack. He had nearly 40 touches in the attacking area and contributed to the opening goal with a simple but delicate assist.
The most important thing for Wirtz is comfort and stability. He needs to be placed in a suitable environment to maximize his qualities. This player likes to start from the left wing, stick to the center, find space and constantly make a difference with passes or decisive handling.
Iraola certainly observed those movements very carefully. And he will also hope Isak can benefit from that way of operating when the new season starts.
Isak's case is slightly different but not less important. Liverpool spent about 125 million pounds to bring the Swedish striker to Anfield, and what he showed in Sweden's victory over Tunisia shows that investment is completely justified.
Isak continuously creates a threat to the opponent's defense. He moves smoothly, energetically, sharply in the final handling situations and looks like the most complete version of himself.
That is exactly what Iraola wants to see. Although not publicly admitting it, the Spanish coach certainly hopes that the 2026 World Cup will help Isak regain confidence and bring that positive energy to Liverpool.
Because for a striker, confidence is sometimes the most important "fuel". In the context of Hugo Ekitike having to be sidelined for a long time due to an Achilles tendon injury, Liverpool even more needs Isak to maintain his peak form.
How Wirtz and Isak will return to the Premier League remains a question for the future. However, the first signals from the World Cup show that Iraola has every reason to be optimistic that his two most expensive stars will become the foundation for Liverpool's ambition next season.
