It's a World Cup that promises to deliver drama and intrigue at every turn – and for Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola, it's already providing a masterclass in assessing his squad's strengths and weaknesses. With his keen eye on the ongoing tournament, Iraola has been meticulously gathering intelligence on the performances of his current crop and potential additions to refresh his team.
One player whose display will have undoubtedly caught Iraola's attention is Florian Wirtz – the German attacking midfielder who joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in a then-British record £116 million deal last summer. Still only 23, Wirtz has had a challenging debut season at Anfield, but he showed glimpses of his prodigious ability as Germany crushed Curacao 7-1 in their opening World Cup fixture. Playing on the left wing, he conjured up a delicate touch and quick thinking to create Germany's opening goal for Felix Nmecha – a far cry from some of his performances last term.
Former England striker Chris Sutton was impressed by Wirtz's unburdened display: "The mitigation must be that this was Curacao, but the Liverpool fans who watched the game would have wondered if it was the same Florian Wirtz who played for them last season. He looked happy in a German jersey, at ease and playing with freedom." Sutton added that Wirtz was "sharp off the left, drifting inside to play quick, incisive passes. He was creative and cunning – a real menace with Jamal Musiala."
Iraola also had his eyes glued to the performances of Liverpool's Dutch contingent. Virgil van Dijk, expected to be a cornerstone of Iraola's new era, was voted man of the match in the Netherlands' 2-2 draw with Japan – scoring his side's opening goal with a precise header and dominating the defensive proceedings.
Ryan Gravenberch, another midfielder Iraola will look to revitalise, put in a solid display, providing the cross for Van Dijk's goal and assisting Crysencio Summerville's second. This marked only the second time a Liverpool player has both scored and assisted a World Cup goal – following Ian Callaghan's contribution for England back in 1966.
Cody Gakpo, however, had a subdued performance – which may prompt further consideration from Iraola. The World Cup provides a unique platform for the new coach to assess his players' form and potential under high pressure, away from the familiar surroundings of Anfield.