What can Liverpool expect tactically from Andoni Iraola? A brief overview using Kognia tactical metrics

As the appointment of Andoni Iraola as Liverpool manager is confirmed, this brief Kognia analysis takes a look at some of Bournemouth's tactical characteristics in the context of better understanding how this new-look Liverpool will perform in the 2026/27 season.

Progression after recovery

This metric measures teams that move the ball forward through shorter passes immediately after winning possession.

Bournemouth topped the table in this metric (and they ranked first for the 24/25 season as well), demonstrating how Iraola’s team moves forward at pace. For context, Liverpool ranked ninth - sandwiched between Brighton and Hove Albion and Leeds United.

Bournemouth ranked 14th for “direct play” which measures a pass that travels vertically 35m toward the opposition goal, further reinforcing the idea that Iraola’s team plays shorter passes, but still move the ball forward at speed.

Iraola’s team will run

Bournemouth rank highly in these relatively base-level running statistics. Admittedly shown without tactical context, but Iraola’s team also ranked highly (2nd on both counts) when looking at last season, where again, Liverpool ranked first across both.

That suggests that the players Iraola inherits will be able to physically adapt to the new tactical style, and may even be better suited to the type of football that progresses the ball quickly through the thirds, as opposed to one with a more sustained approach in possession.

In addition, the team ranks highly (third) for runs into the box, a Kognia metric which captures the moment when a player runs into the box from a starting position of being in front of the defensive line.

We can expect Liverpool to be aggressive from a physical perspective, and continue this approach in the opposition third, where it can be most effective. Their first place ranking here again implies that the players may easily transition tactically under their new manager.

Winning the ball back high up the pitch

There are multiple ways to measure and assess this, but looking at this in its simplest form, Bournemouth in 25/26 ranked first for recovering the ball in the attacking third.

What can we expect from Liverpool next season?

• A team that moves the ball quickly through the pitch

• A team that presses high

• A team that is aggressive with and without the ball

• A potential immediate impact, given the calibre and suitability of players that Iraola will have to work with

What we do not know is how this approach may influence injuries for the club, with European football to be part of Iraola's season for a team that is likely to play with high intensity.

All tables used in this article have been taken from the Kognia platform. To book a demo, please get in touch.