Why Andoni Iraola deserves far more credit for his unbeaten start with Liverpool

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The first international break of the season is often a good time for supporters to take stock of how the campaign has started, and what kind of tone has been set for the months ahead.For Liverpool, this means an early appraisal of Andoni Iraola‘s time at Anfield after taking over from Arne Slot this summer.Iraola has had a decent start with the Reds, and is so far unbeaten across seven matches in all competitions. How would you rate Andoni Iraola's start at Liverpool?

What's gone well, and what still needs work? 🤔 Liverpool have been better than fans think under IraolaThe general feeling from fans on TalkingPoints has been that Iraola deserves a B or a C grade for his opening seven matches at Liverpool. Far too often Liverpool could not claw themselves back into matches under Slot, and Iraola has already instilled a change there.

Only Leeds and Everton have conceded fewer than the Reds’ four goals so far this season.Iraola has done the same in midfield, where Ryan Gravenberch has made way for Alexis Mac Allister, and after watching Slot fail to make these kinds of decision throughout last season, it has been hugely refreshing to watch the new man step up in that regard.Things do still need work, including finding the balance in the forward line, but the former Bournemouth boss already looks to be getting more out of Isak, which was one of his biggest remits when arriving, and though Florian Wirtz has been heavily criticised, the German has also shown some flashes of becoming better under Iraola.Once all of this clicks into place, there is reason to believe that Liverpool will be a fearsome opponent once again. Iraola deserves credit, and while nobody has been blown away by his start, it has still been one which points to a much brighter future.