Published Jul 22, 2026, 7:10 AM GMT+1

Ethan is a feature and opinion journalist at Football FanCast.

He studied Football Journalism at the University of Derby, undertaking roles such as media assistant for Non-League side Mickleover Sports and EFL reporter for VAVEL.

Upon graduating in 2023, Ethan spent six months at GRV Media as a Premier League journalist, before joining FootballFanCast in February 2024.

Ethan is an avid Nottingham Forest supporter and season ticket holder, who also holds a keen interest in Formula One.

He covers a host of sides from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, to Leeds and clubs across the Midlands such as Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa. He particularly enjoys producing analytical content.

The Hungarian international was arguably the Reds’ star performer throughout 2025/26, as seen by his remarkable tally of 25 combined goals and assists across all competitions.

Such a tally was the highest of any player in the senior ranks on Merseyside, further highlighting his top-level quality within the attacking areas of the pitch.

The 25-year-old has since been rewarded with a new and improved contract until the summer of 2031 and will certainly play a key role in Iraola’s system throughout 2026/27.

How Liverpool’s midfield could line up under Iraola

During his time as Bournemouth boss, Iraola largely operated with a 4-2-3-1 system, which relies upon two deep-lying options and a number ten at the heart of the side.

Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister have often been the Reds’ regular partnership in front of the backline - subsequently playing a huge part in the club’s title-winning campaign of 2024/25.

The latter of the aforementioned duo has been constantly touted with a move away from Anfield, with his long-term future set to be decided upon his return from World Cup action.

As for Szoboszlai, he will no doubt want to be the new manager’s number ten after his appointment, but could face competition from Florian Wirtz for the starting position.

The Hungarian would be the perfect fit for Iraola’s preferred system, with Eli Junior Kroupi showcasing last term what’s required from a player operating in the role behind the striker.

He netted 13 times for the Cherries last term, with the work rate of the defensive duo behind him allowing him to have a free role within attacking areas of the pitch.

Szoboszlai would undoubtedly benefit from such a role next term, which could allow the attacking midfielder to add to his tremendous goal tally from 2025/26.

Why Liverpool's £80m target would be the best signing since Szoboszlai

As previously mentioned, Mac Allister is a player whose future is up for debate at Liverpool, but he’s not the only player who could depart for pastures new this window.

Curtis Jones is also linked with an exit from Merseyside this window, as Nottingham Forest and Inter Milan circle to land the 25-year-old’s signature.

Any funds raised from such a transfer could allow Iraola to land his chosen target - which could see Alex Scott following in the Spaniard’s footsteps in leaving the Cherries to join the Reds.

It’s been reported by TEAMtalk this week that Liverpool have entered talks with the South Coast outfit during the ongoing window to gain more information around a possible deal.

They also claim that the player himself has recently rejected a new deal at the Vitality, which has seen an £80m price tag being mooted for the 22-year-old’s services.

Whilst it may appear to be a sizeable fee for the English talent, it would be money well spent on a player who already understands the demands of the manager’s system.

Scott has already developed into a leading Premier League talent in recent times, but he has the potential to improve tenfold in the years ahead given his tender age.

His stats from the recent campaign under Iraola’s guidance highlight his quality, which could make him the best signing since Szoboszlai arrived back in the summer of 2023.

The Cherries star managed to complete 56% of the dribbles he attempted, whilst achieving an 87% pass completion rate - ranking him above 85% of other midfielders in the division.

Both of the aforementioned tallies highlight his quality with the ball at his feet, which could see him be a pace setter within the Spaniard’s possession-based system.

However, even without the ball, Scott massively caught the eye last season, subsequently making a staggering 12.2 defensive contributions and 6.2 ball recoveries per 90.

Like his talents in possession, he ranked highly amongst other players in England - with such tallies placing him in the top 10% of midfielders in the Premier League.

Such numbers from a young talent are unheard of, with Scott a player who truly has the world at his feet - which has even seen Pep Guardiola label him as an “unbelievable talent.”

£80m would be a massive investment from FSG this summer, but it’s a deal which could hand the Reds a player who could thrive at the heart of the side for many years to come.

A potential partnership between the Englishman and Szoboszlai on Merseyside would be an exciting one and one which could help lead the club back towards the summit of the division next term.