Andoni Iraola makes Liverpool's 'massive' Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak plan clear

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Liverpool's new head coach has a clear idea where he wants Florian Wirtz to play, and views the German as crucial to the performances of Alexander IsakAndoni Iraola has effectively confirmed that he sees his ideal Liverpool XI including Florian Wirtz playing as a No.10 off centre-forward Alexander Isak.Both Wirtz and Isak have joined up with the Reds squad on their pre-season tour of the United States, with both primed for some minutes in Sunday night's friendly against Leeds United in Chicago.Both are back in the States after appearing for their countries at the World Cup, where Wirtz's Germany were knocked out in the last 32 by Paraguay and Sweden lost at the same stage to France.Last summer's £116m signing Wirtz played off the left of the attack for his country, but after stating his desire to play as a No.10 when he joined he now seems set to be given an extended spell in the role by his new head coach.Speaking at a press conference in Chicago, Iraola said: “Obviously like all the players, but with Flo especially, we need a good version of Florian.“We know what he can give us, he’s also suited to our game model.“I see him probably more that position behind the striker. We know that he was played more on the left sometimes but we are going to start working with in that position behind the striker.“He is quite complete as a player.

We want to try to add more things to what he already has which is very good. He is training in a good place mentally.”Iraola's Bournemouth sides would usually feature a No.10 playing behind a No.9, with Justin Kluivert often playing off ex-Red Dominic Solanke in his first season in 2023-24, and Eli Junior Kroupi stationed behind Evanilson in the last campaign.£125m man Isak will be eyeing a much improved second season at Anfield after arriving unfit last summer and going on to break his leg in December.The Swede, who scored just four goals last season, is still to complete a full 90 minutes for Liverpool, but did so twice at the World Cup - where he registered one goal and three assists - and was taken off in the 90th minute in Sweden's other two matches.“I think he has come in a good place," said Iraola of his No.9.“I think he was good in the World Cup.

I saw him comfortable. First training [sessions] here, I think I’ve seen a good version of Alex.“Still it’s very early because he has just started training, but I hope he can have some minutes against Leeds and build properly a proper pre-season.“It’s not going to be very long but he will have three or four weeks of quality training, I hope, and we can put him in a good place because he is going to be massive for us this season.”FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE!