Andoni Iraola’s New Plan to Redefine Liverpool’s Attack Post-Mohamed Salah

Redesigning Liverpool’s Attack After Salah

Andoni Iraola, the Liverpool manager, is reshaping the team’s offense following Mohamed Salah’s departure by focusing the main scoring threat on Bradley Barcola positioned on the left wing.

Life Without an Anfield Legend

A little over two months since Salah left, Liverpool is still adapting to his absence. Iraola has introduced a fresh tactical setup to fill the gap the Egyptian icon left behind. Instead of bringing in a like-for-like left-footed replacement for the right flank, Liverpool have decided to alter their attacking style completely. Investing heavily in Barcola, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain, they are counting on him to lead the attack. Last season, Barcola scored 13 goals and contributed seven assists. Although right-footed, he excels when cutting inside from the left, essentially flipping Salah’s former role.

Right Wing Challenges

With Barcola commanding the left side, Liverpool faces a challenge on the right wing where no natural right wingers remain after the summer transfer window closed. Four left wingers populate the squad, but options for the right are limited. Teenage prospect Rio Ngumoha struggled playing there against Newcastle, and Cody Gakpo was only moderately effective versus Nottingham Forest. Still, Iraola sees promise in new signing Víctor Munoz, who may fit perfectly on the right despite most of his career being spent on the left.

“Víctor has played more games on the left but maybe has been even better on the right,” Iraola said before Liverpool’s Premier League match against Ipswich Town.

Ngumoha's Development

Iraola wants to nurture young players like Ngumoha on the right wing, believing experience will help him grow in this unfamiliar position. The manager remains patient despite Ngumoha’s initial struggles.

“We know Rio can play on the left and showed his qualities. He needs to develop on the right so it gives him more options. He is very young. Because he wasn’t incredible in his first game on the right, we can’t say he will never play there again,” Iraola explained.

Preparing the Attack Around Alexander Isak

Liverpool will test this new formation against Ipswich Town soon. Iraola must quickly find the right balance to keep the team dangerous in attack. A traditional winger on the right could provide better service for striker Alexander Isak, whose style as a strong penalty-box presence depends on direct deliveries to maximize scoring.

Cody Gakpo remains important in this evolving system, continuing to fight for playing time despite interest from clubs like Manchester City and Tottenham late in the summer.

• Match: Ipswich Town vs Liverpool
• Date: 4 September 2026
• Kickoff: 21:00