New Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola is preparing to take a proper look at his squad in full when senior players return after World Cup duty, but he already has something predecessor Arne Slot and even long-time boss Jurgen Klopp never had.
First time since 2010
For the first time since 2010, Liverpool have two World Cup winners among their ranks. Spanish winger Victor Munoz, signed from Osasuna, joins 2022 world champion Alexis Mac Allister after Spain beat Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday.
In 2010, both of Liverpool's World Cup winners were Spanish – Pepe Reina and Fernando Torres – who were part of the squad that beat the Netherlands in South Africa. At that time, Liverpool also had a new manager in Roy Hodgson, but he was gone by January and Torres left a few months later, leaving Reina as the only survivor.
Historic context
Before 2010, you have to go back more than 40 years for another example of Liverpool having more than one World Cup winner. That came in the 1960s, with Roger Hunt, Ian Callaghan and Gerry Byrne all part of the England squad that lifted the trophy in 1966.
Munoz underwent his Liverpool medical during the World Cup as the Reds beat Newcastle to his signature. “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,” 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.”
Pre-season plans
Neither Munoz nor Mac Allister has been included in the touring squad as the Reds head to the United States, with both given more time off after their World Cup exploits. Liverpool are due to face Sunderland, Wrexham and Leeds before returning home for two friendlies at Anfield in August.
