Forget Adam Wharton, this is the perfect midfielder for Andoni Iraola | OneFootball

Everyone needs to forget about Adam Wharton, this is the perfect manager for Liverpool.

Now that the dust has settled and Arne Slot's tenure is finally at an end, attention inevitably turns to who will take his place. By all indications, that man looks set to be Andoni Iraola.

The former Spanish international has enjoyed remarkable success at Bournemouth, guiding the club to Europa League qualification and earning widespread praise for his work. On paper, he appears an ideal fit for Liverpool.

Iraola's high-intensity approach and engaging personality align closely with the qualities many Liverpool supporters have long wanted from their manager. In contrast, Slot often came across as reserved and overly pragmatic, both in his dealings with the media and in his communication with fans. At times, he also appeared uncertain in his footballing identity.

For much of the season, Liverpool seemed caught between different approaches, with no clear sense of exactly how Slot wanted his side to play. The result was a team that often looked as though it was searching for a definitive direction.

Under Iraola, that uncertainty is unlikely to remain. Throughout his managerial career, he has demonstrated a clear commitment to a distinct style of play and a well-defined philosophy. He is willing to take risks and possesses the conviction to trust his methods, even when faced with challenges.

Having a manager with that level of clarity and self-belief could prove invaluable for Liverpool. However, while excitement about a new era is understandable, the focus must now shift to the significant work that lies ahead.

Iraola's demanding style is going to require a different change in approach. Liverpool are going to have to play more direct and they are going to have to be quicker in their transitions.

Whereas Slot wanted a more steady, controlled style of play - Iraola wants to embrace the chaos. He wants his team to play heavy metal football and overwhelm the opposition with energy and counter-pressing.

The quick direct style of play relies heavily on physical and fit players.

That's why Liverpool may have to reconsider their targets in the middle of the park. Wharton is an elite ball progressor but he isn't necessarily a physical player who can cover a lot of ground.

He may have been the perfect profile for Slot's style of play but for Iraola's intense playing style there may be a better suited midfielder.

In Iraola's system, one of the best midfielders in Europe's top five leagues right now is RC Lens' Mamadou Sangare. It should come as no surprise given the above description of what Liverpool need under Iraola, that the Malian midfielder actually spent time at Red Bull Salzburg - just like Dominik Szoboszlai - learning that heavy gegenpressing style.

Sangare's work-rate and speed is very similar to the Hungarian. He's been the beating heart of Lens' midfield, and won the most possessions in Ligue 1 (206) last season while also being named the Best African Player in the French top flight and winning the French Cup with Lends.

The 23-year-old has had a different sort of path to Europe's top five leagues. He never quite managed to break into Salzburg's first-team but went on a series of loans and then established himself at Rapid Vienna last season.

No midfielder has averaged more successful defensive actions (9.63 per 90) than him in Ligue 1 this season. He’s also made the most tackles and interceptions (126) and the most recoveries in the league.

In terms of the intensity Iraola's football requires, Sangare is by far the most perfect fit for Liverpool, far better than Wharton.