Who Could Andoni Iraola Play At Striker Amid Isak & Gakpo Injury Concerns?

Liverpool's attacking options looked to be the area in which the club were the strongest following the closure of the summer transfer window. 

Despite losing the brilliance and quality of Mohamed Salah on a free transfer in the summer, the club managed to strengthen the forward line with two new additions in Victor Munoz and Bradley Barcola.

But recent news has left Andoni Iraola drastically short of options in the striker position. 

With only one out-and-out centre forward available, Iraola's priority will have been to keep former Newcastle man Alexander Isak fit and in form, two things the goalscorer struggled with last campaign. 

And he started the season in top form, scoring four goals in five Premier League games, and has been getting better and better as each game goes by.

But unfortunately, the international break has brought about the worst-case scenario for Andoni Iraola ahead of a busy schedule across three different competitions. 

Isak was called up for his national side and featured in their opening Nations League game, scoring and playing a full 90 minutes, but he was seen hobbling off the pitch at full time.

The 27-year-old then addressed a visible wound he picked up during the game on his foot, saying that he believed it to be fine, which initially reassured fans that he had emerged from game one of four with his national team injury-free. 

But the club would announce that Isak had returned to Merseyside due to a minor injury, with Swedish boss Graham Potter confirming that Isak had a minor thigh issue. 

Now, the injury isn't thought to be serious, but a timeframe for his return is yet to be confirmed. 

In his absence, Cody Gakpo would have been the most likely player to fill in as a focal point in the Anfield attack, and given his exceptional start to the season, many fans would have been happy to see Gakpo cover up front in the Swedish star's absence.

The same day as the Isak news came out, Gakpo would be taken off for the Netherlands after he was on the bad end of a crunching challenge against Serbia. 

Liverpool announced that Gakpo had also dropped out of international duty due to an ankle issue, which, according to Dutch reporter Rik Elfrink, the forward will be missing for several weeks. 

This has left Iraola with a massive headache when it comes to selecting his line-up for Manchester City and beyond, but who could the Spanish head coach call upon to step up in the absence of his two most in-form forwards this season?

The most obvious pick to start through the middle of Liverpool's attack is the club's latest recruit, Bradley Barcola. The French forward has previously operated in the striker role for PSG and France on occasion, with his devastating pace proving to be a top attribute for the role. 

Naturally a left winger, Barcola has played all of his games on the left-hand side of the Reds' frontline, and it is clearly where Andoni Iraola thinks Barcola is most effective, despite not registering a goal or assist since his arrival. 

Having the former PSG forward in a striker role could also allow for other players to flourish who otherwise have been struggling with the profile of striker Alexander Isak.

Isak doesn't have the electric speed that he can use to run onto passes in behind; instead, he relies on balls played into the box from wide areas, which is why he and Cody Gakpo have begun a very effective partnership.

The number nine has a clinical edge to his finishing, making him particularly potent in the penalty area, something that Iraola will struggle to directly replace.

However, Barcola in the central role could unlock the likes of Florian Wirtz, who thrives on playing balls through the lines to willing runners to get on the end of.

And given the criticism that the German playmaker has been on the receiving end of since his big-money arrival, he could be one who benefits from a different striker playing with him. 

An idea that has been touted even during Arne Slot's reign is Liverpool switching to a false nine system, similar to how Jurgen Klopp's legendary side looked.

A switch to this would involve Florian Wirtz being moved into the false nine role, with him being the closest to a 'Bobby Firmino' type of player.

On either side of him, you can put quick, dynamic attacking wingers who can link up with Wirtz and use the space in behind that the German will create by drawing out opposition defenders. 

It seems unlikely that Andoni Iraola will switch up his usual tactics to such a dramatic change, but it is certainly an option for the Spaniard should he be looking for a way to involve Wirtz more in the final attacking play, while solving his injury issues at the same time. 

A final possible solution to the Reds' forward line problems would be giving young Lewis Koumas the chance that he has probably earned in the few bench appearances and cup games he has played. 

The Welsh international has spent a couple of years out on loans to the Championship, and while he hasn't set the world alight with his goal and assist numbers, his work rate, commitment to what the manager wants and willingness to learn and grow have made him a coach's dream to work with.

From the moment Andoni Iraola arrived at the club, it was clear how much of a fan he was of Koumas, with him since confirming that very early in pre-season, he told the club's hierarchy that he wanted to keep the forward at Anfield this season, and saw him as a player who could operate in multiple positions. 

So could Lewis Koumas be given the opportunity to establish himself in the first team by playing a major role in the team in the weeks to come?

Comment Below: Who Would You Play Up Front In The Absence of Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo?