Andoni Iraola Backs Liverpool Youth After Villarreal Comeback Win
Liverpool have won four of last five games including Brentford and Villarreal victories but face tough test against high-flying Brighton who have scored 14 more goals this season.
“They are doing incredibly well and deserve all the praise they are getting...”
Andoni Iraola has hinted at deploying Ryan Gravenberch at right-back as Liverpool prepare for a stern test against in-form Brighton.
The Liverpool manager faced the media ahead of Sunday's showdown with the high-flying Seagulls.
The Reds host Brighton at Anfield this weekend in what promises to be a thrilling encounter between two sides in excellent form.
Brighton have netted 14 more league goals than Liverpool after the first seven matches and sit four points clear of Iraola's men in third place.
Liverpool have claimed victory in four of their last five outings, including their most recent league win over Brentford and their Champions League triumph against Villarreal, as they begin to rediscover their best form.
A tough test awaits against Brighton
When asked about Sunday's opponents, Iraola suggested the match could mirror the Villarreal encounter, where his side had to battle back from 2-0 down in the first half.
“They are doing incredibly well and deserve all the praise they are getting. Well coached, very good in every phase, one of the best teams with good quality. We have to be at our very best. I see my team in a good place.”
“Probably not too different a game against Villarreal; they control the phases, good technically, so we will see this. Maybe not a 0-0 where nothing happens; both teams will try to control the game.”
Liverpool's youngsters stepping up
Against Villarreal, Liverpool handed starts to Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni, while Iraola introduced James McConnell in the second half. Youth development has been central to Iraola's approach, with the manager describing the youngsters as a close-knit family.
“They are all supporting each other, they praise each other, and when they see someone start in the Champions League or Premier League, they feel it, and they feel they are close to being there. That is good for them and the ones in the second team. Koumas learning from Isak.
“They have to use all the help from the players, the coaches. They have to take it in and learn from that, and we have some experienced players, so they look at what they are doing in training.”
“I think if you asked me where is his position he suits him best, I think he is an eight, but he can do a job at six, and he won the league there. He can do a job at right-back like the other day.
“At 10, he can do a job. He played as a centre-back at certain moments, so he is very valuable because he is versatile. At this time, you need help in other positions, and he can help. We have lost (Jeremy) Frimpong and (Conor) Bradley.”
🗞️ Andoni gives the latest update on his squad ahead of #LIVBHA on Sunday... https://t.co/gP9kRsBBz5
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 23, 2026
Could Gravenberch fill in at right-back?
While Iraola offered no update on Dominik Szoboszlai's availability for the Brighton clash, he did hint that Ryan Gravenberch could return following his suspension.
“I think if you asked me where is his position he suits him best, I think he is an eight, but he can do a job at six, and he won the league there. He can do a job at right-back like the other day.
“At 10, he can do a job. He played as a centre-back at certain moments, so he is very valuable because he is versatile. At this time, you need help in other positions, and he can help. We have lost (Jeremy) Frimpong and (Conor) Bradley.”
The Dutchman could be deployed at right-back owing to injuries to Bradley, Frimpong and Szoboszlai.
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