Andoni Iraola has told every Liverpool player they are ‘new signings’, a clear signal that he will reshuffle the squad and hand fresh chances to those on the fringe. The Spaniard, appointed earlier this month to replace Arne Slot, said in his first press conference that he sees the entire first‑team as a clean slate. \n\nHis arrival follows a highly rated three‑year spell at Bournemouth, where he guided the Cherries to a historic sixth‑place finish and their maiden European campaign. Iraola earned a reputation for polishing raw talent – Dean Huijsen, Antoine Semenyo and Eli Junior Kroupi all rose in value under his tutelage. \n\nNow, at Anfield, the 43‑year‑old appears ready to repeat the formula. “For me, you are all new signings and I think we have a lot of quality in our squad, and I’m really looking forward to working with them,” he declared, pointing a fresh challenge at the likes of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez and the midfield brigade. \n\nOne obvious beneficiary of this wake‑up call could be 22‑year‑old Milos Kerkez. The Serbian defender spent two seasons under Iraola at Bournemouth before sealing a permanent move to Liverpool last summer. Yet he never truly broke into the starting eleven. With Iraola treating every player as a newcomer, Kerkez could finally wrest a regular spot, especially if the new boss experiments with a back‑four that favours ball‑playing centre‑backs. \n\nThe manager’s pedigree in player development suggests other overlooked names could shine. Dean Huijsen, the 20‑year‑old Dutch centre‑back who arrived from AZ Alkmaar, has struggled for minutes amid a crowded defence. Iraola’s confidence‑boosting approach may see him thrust into a starting role, perhaps paired with a more experienced partner to balance youth and composure. \n\nAntoine Semenyo, the versatile winger who impressed at Bournemouth, could also feel the heat. Though he already enjoys a decent amount of game time, Iraola’s declaration essentially tells him: prove you belong, or move aside. The same goes for young attacking talents like Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott, who have flirted with the bench but never secured a run. \n\nFans in Kampala will be watching keenly If Iraola’s reshuffle tightens the back line. \n\nThe boldness of treating an entire squad as fresh signings is a gamble itself. Some may argue it undermines the achievements of stalwarts who helped the Reds finish fourth last season. Others see it as a necessary shake‑up to keep complacency at bay. Either way, the message is crystal clear: earn your place or walk. \n\n## How will Andoni Iraola’s ‘new signings’ policy affect Liverpool’s starting XI?\n\nExpect a mix of familiar faces and surprise inclusions. Salah and Núñez will likely keep their roles, but we could see Kerkez start at right‑back, Huijsen partnering Van Dijk, and Semenyo pushed higher up the wing. The midfield may also see fresh blood, with Koné and Allen‑Costa getting more minutes. \n\n## Which Liverpool players stand to gain the most from Iraola’s fresh‑start mantra?\n\nKerkez, Huijsen and Semenyo are the prime candidates. Their development under a coach known for nurturing talent puts them in the perfect spot to leapfrog the competition. \n\n## Will Liverpool’s defensive solidity improve under Iraola’s new‑signings approach?\n\nIf the Spaniard can convert his developmental success at Bournemouth to Anfield, the defence could become more cohesive and less prone to lapses – a promising prospect for any Liverpool fan.
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Source: Mirror
