Published Sep 28, 2026, 4:12 PM GMT+1

The Reds have at least shown some revived defensive stability, keeping three consecutive clean sheets in the Premier League, and that is very much a foundation to build on.

A 1-0 victory over Bournemouth before the international break helped spin the narrative that things are heading in a positive direction after a frustrating draw with Fulham at Anfield, but that's not to say the evidence isn't building.

Up next, the visit of Manchester City is set to hand Iraola his biggest test yet in the Liverpool dugout.

Awaiting the Citizens will be an angered Anfield following the news that City have been found guilty of the majority of the charges brought against them by the Premier League. If Iraola is looking for the full Merseyside experience, then that will be it.

The outside noise aside, however, it will also hand the manager an opportunity to assess Liverpool's weaknesses on the big stage. He's seemingly solved their defensive issues by playing Ronald Araujo at right-back, but midfield problems remain.

Ryan Gravenberch was the first to suffer from Iraola's search for balance. Not long after signing a new deal, he found himself dropped to the bench as Liverpool opted for Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. Still, there is a lack of control.

It's become increasingly obvious that midfield investment should have taken place in the summer and that could now be the first objective on new sporting director Julian Ward's to-do list.

The solution for the Reds' problem could once again lie in Spain. According to TeamTalk, Liverpool are now in contact to sign Aurelien Tchouameni from Real Madrid.

Those at Anfield are long-time admirers of the Frenchman and held talks to secure his signature in the summer, before Jose Mourinho convinced him to stay put.

Since then, however, Tchouameni has missed the first four La Liga games through injury before starting two of the next three. Having also started on the bench against Inter Milan in the Champions League, it's clear that the midfielder is still fighting for his place.

Reports have claimed that, whilst he is happy right now, the Frenchman will consider his Real Madrid future if he fails to win a permanent starting place under Mourinho. That would instantly open the door for Liverpool, who could welcome the midfield control that they're still searching for under Iraola.

After Mac Allister's own admission that his time at Anfield is set to come to an end at the end of his current deal in 2028 unless things change, Tchouameni could be the perfect upgrade.

In the words of former teammate Chema Andres, he is "the best defensive midfielder in the world" and the numbers prove it. The Madrid star is stronger in duels, albeit whilst tackling less, and most importantly, far safer in possession. That is exactly what Liverpool are lacking.

They have their driving force in Szoboszlai. Now, they just need a midfield enforcer who simply recycles possession. Tchouameni would be a world-class option to do just that. Dubbed "spectacular" by former Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, the Frenchman is one to watch.