The 2026 FIFA World Cup has been the exact reprieve that Liverpool's beleaguered stars needed following a strenuous and disappointing 2025/26 campaign at club level.
Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Alexis Mac Allister and Alisson Becker have all had starring moments for their nations during this tournament already, and new coach Andoni Iraola will be eagerly watching and learning everything he can.
The former Bournemouth boss was brought in to replace Arne Slot following his sacking just before the tournament began. The Spaniard is already hard at work laying the early foundation for life at Anfield.
The question now becomes, can Iraola find a way to replicate the success of Liverpool's returning stars at the World Cup?
A blueprint being formed for Liverpool
We all know when a player plays for his national team, it is an entirely different mindset and oftentimes a completely different tactical perspective for the player.
Some players, such as a Conor Bradley, Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak are asked to do almost everything for their country. Whereas players such as Gravenberch and Mac Allister, while both very important to their national teams, are not overloaded with responsibilities beyond themselves.
Having said that, club managers and coaches can take what they see at the international level and implement it in a way that fits their system with the club.
Take Gravenberch being used further upfield for the Netherlands. The idea of a more advanced Grav in the context of Iraola's fast transition system is an enticing one.
One could surely imagine a scenario where that unlocks the next level for Ryan at Liverpool this season and going forward.
Isak has shined bright for Sweden, which is something that everyone associated with the club were desperate to see. He is playing with confidence, and floating all over the final third of attack, which is a freedom he did not have under Slot when he was fit and playing.
These are examples of subtle changes that a coaching staff can take and sprinkle into the day-to-day process back home.
Iraola's coaching success and player's newfound belief
During his three seasons at Bournemouth, Iraola was seen as one of the better developers of young talent who was able to tactically challenge even the best clubs in England with his style of play.
That combination is a large reason why Liverpool decided he was the right man to replace the departing Slot. With a proven track record like that, the Spaniard will be expected to command a room of superstars and top-class players at Anfield from the very beginning.
If he can imprint his aggressive and pressing football mentality on the squad sooner than later, that would be a boost to the early season chances of hitting the ground running for everyone.
The tactics of the coach can only go so far if the players do not believe in it, or in themselves. We saw that all too clearly this last season where the Reds looked like shells of themselves for long periods.
As of this writing, through a few weeks of group stage action at the World Cup, Liverpool players have registered 12 goal involvements, more than any other club. Bayern and Real Madrid are second at 8.
That is confidence being restored for many players who endured difficult campaigns. If they can carry on in that vein before returning for preseason, the vibe around the club could feel very different. Iraola will be tasked with harnessing that newfound belief and channeling it towards club success.
Staying fit is the first goal, playing well is next. Beyond that, the coaching mentality and player's mentality usually are the deciding factor in how things go from there.
Andoni Iraola has proven time and again, even with limited resources, that he is capable of instilling that belief within his forward thinking system to get the best out his players. World Cup success could be the beginning of a fresh new era for Liverpool's very best stars.
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