Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola is just a few weeks into his tenure but already has something never enjoyed by Arne Slot or Jurgen Klopp. Not only that but it's something only present in one Reds season in the Premier League era.
Two World Cup Winners at Anfield
Thanks to new signing Victor Munoz's presence in Spain's victorious World Cup squad, Iraola has two World Cup winners at his disposal at the same time. You have to go back more than a decade for the last time that was the case.
Munoz might not have played for La Roja at the tournament as he struggled with injury but the former Osasuna winger still has a winner's medal. Liverpool's other World Cup winner is of course Alexis Mac Allister, though the midfielder was still on Brighton's books when he started for Argentina in the 2022 final.
It's also the first time ever that Liverpool have had two World Cup winners from different countries at the same time. The last time they had two world champions was in 2010, as Pepe Reina and Fernando Torres both won with Spain.
Historical Context
Torres didn't stick around for long, though. He joined Chelsea midway through the following season, leaving Reina as the sole survivor.
There's only one other example of the Reds having multiple World Cup winners at the same time. Roger Hunt, Ian Callaghan and Gerry Byrne were all part of the England squad that claimed the trophy on home turf in 1966 and were all Liverpool players when they achieved the feat.
Munoz Arrival and Iraola's Plans
Munoz completed his £34m move during the World Cup as Liverpool beat Newcastle to a player who turned 23 during the tournament. "With Victor, I think we signed him in a moment where he's very hungry, he's ambitious, but he's still humble and knows that he has to come very ready," new boss Iraola said. "I think he's someone with some versatility – can play right, can play left, he has the work-rate also for all that we will require. Looking forward to having him here, even if we know that we will have to wait with him and Macca."
Iraola is taking a 31-man squad to the United States for pre-season but Munoz and Mac Allister will both be afforded additional time off following their World Cup exertions. Liverpool have matches against Sunderland, Wrexham and Leeds on the other side of the Atlantic before heading back home for a pair of friendlies at Anfield in August.
