New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola is using the World Cup as a fact-finding mission to evaluate inherited players and scout potential additions following the club’s poor Premier League title defense. Iraola, who recently succeeded the sacked Arne Slot, is monitoring several key figures during the tournament’s fourth day of fixtures. Florian Wirtz, who joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen last summer in a record £116m deal, appeared to play with more freedom in Germany’s 7-1 win against Curacao. According to the BBC, Wirtz played on the left and created the opening goal for Felix Nmecha, showing “delicate touch and quick thinking.” Former England striker Chris Sutton noted that Wirtz looked “unburdened” and “creative” in the German jersey. Other Liverpool-linked players also featured prominently. Virgil van Dijk was voted man of the match in the Netherlands’ 2-2 draw with Japan, scoring a header and acting as a primary defensive barrier. Ryan Gravenberch provided the assist for Van Dijk’s goal and another for Crysencio Summerville; the BBC noted that Gravenberch’s delivery for Van Dijk was only the second ever World Cup goal scored and assisted by a Liverpool player. Meanwhile, Cody Gakpo had a “subdued” match for the Netherlands. Regarding potential signings, 19-year-old Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig received significant attention during Ivory Coast’s 1-0 win over Ecuador. Diomande, who is heavily linked to Liverpool as a successor to Mohamed Salah, created five chances and showed “power and sleight of foot” on the right flank. Also, Alexander Isak showed “scintillating form” as Sweden defeated Tunisia 5-1. Isak was named man of the match and scored before providing an assist for Viktor Gyokeres.