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<\/p>\nThe arrival of Andoni Iraola at Liverpool offers several players a vital opportunity to impress a new manager<\/p>\n
New Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola could give several players fresh opportunities(Image: Nikki Dyer – LFC\/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)<\/p>\n
The appointment of Andoni Iraola<\/a> as Liverpool manager gives several players a fresh opportunity to force their way back into the club\u2019s first team plans. The Spanish coach was confirmed as Arne Slot\u2019s successor earlier this month.<\/p>\n The 43-year-old was lauded throughout his three-year spell at Bournemouth, who he guided to sixth in the table last season, securing the club\u2019s first-ever European campaign. A notable aspect of Iraola\u2019s reign was his development of players, with the likes of Dean Huijsen, Antoine Semenyo and Eli Junior Kroupi all becoming highly sought after.<\/p>\n Milos Kerkez spent two years under the manager\u2019s guidance before completing his move to Anfield last year. However, Iraola is treating the entire Liverpool squad as new signings<\/a>.<\/p>\n OPINION<\/p>\n \u201cFor me, and I will tell them, [they] are all new signings,\u201d he said. \u201cFor 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Iraola has ready-made superstars within his Liverpool<\/a> squad. However, the new manager\u2019s arrival could also bring the best out of some of the Reds\u2019 forgotten gems<\/a>.<\/p>\n Get the best Liverpool FC news and analysis straight to your Inbox courtesy of the Echo!<\/p>\n It’s as simple as 1-2-3.<\/p>\n Open the Echo’s newsletter preference centre RIGHT HERE.<\/a>Open up Sport.Choose Liverpool FC and hit Subscribe.Harvey Elliott<\/p>\n The 23-year-old will be eager to restart his career after a disastrous loan move to Aston Villa. Harvey Elliott was limited to just nine appearances last term as Unai Emery\u2019s side decided not to meet the terms that would have triggered a \u00a335million obligation.<\/p>\n A year on from being named Player of the Tournament at the U21 Euros, the midfielder finds himself at a crossroads<\/a>. Before his Villa move, Elliott had also seen his Liverpool minutes decrease during Slot\u2019s first year in charge.<\/p>\n It has been a difficult couple of seasons for a player who regularly featured under Jurgen Klopp. However, another change of manager gives him a second chance to revive his Liverpool career.<\/p>\n Harvey Elliott struggled for game time at Aston Villa(Image: Image Photo Agency\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo’s dedicated LFC Facebook page<\/a><\/p>\n Stefan Bajcetic<\/p>\n Stefan Bajcetic last played for Liverpool in May 2024. The talented 21-year-old has seen his career trajectory hampered by injuries<\/a> but he could be one of the gems that Iraola takes a shine to in his new job.<\/p>\n Before the Reds overhauled their midfield two years ago, the Spaniard emerged as a long-term prospect, clocking up 19 appearances. However, injuries have derailed his path to becoming an established Liverpool star.<\/p>\n Bajcetic, who was previously loaned to Red Bull Salzburg and Las Palmas, has already cut short his summer to work on his fitness ahead of pre-season. The new Liverpool boss could help the midfielder make up for lost time.<\/p>\n Stefan Bajcetic has faced a difficult few years since breaking into the Liverpool team(Image: Juan Manuel Serrano Arce\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n Kostas Tsimikas<\/p>\n Kostas Tsimikas could provide Iraola and Liverpool with an instant solution. There is a left-back spot up for grabs in the squad following Andy Robertson\u2019s exit this summer<\/a>.<\/p>\n While Iraola is likely to make former Bournemouth man Kerkez his first-choice full-back, the Hungary international needs competition for his place. Tsimikas was previously Robertson’s backup and could return to his role at Anfield.<\/p>\n The 30-year-old spent last season on loan at Roma, making 25 appearances. However, Tsimikas has another year left on his Liverpool contract and could be an important squad player under Iraola.<\/p>\n James McConnell<\/p>\n The promising midfielder joined Ajax last summer but his move to the Dutch giants did not go to plan. James McConell was expected to work under Slot\u2019s former assistant John Heitinga but the coach was sacked just a few months later.<\/p>\n The 21-year-old played seven games before officially returning to Liverpool in February<\/a> and undergoing surgery on a shoulder injury. McConnell has featured for the Reds on 13 occasions and will hope to impress new boss Iraola this summer.<\/p>\n Buy Blood Red, our monthly Liverpool FC print publication for just \u00a33.50 by clicking here<\/a><\/p>\n England’s 2026 World Cup kits<\/p>\n This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/a> Various Prices<\/p>\n England Official Store<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/0_Saudi-Arabia-v-Uruguay-Group-H-FIFA-World-Cup-2026.jpg\"\/)
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