European Catch Up: The Two Footed Podcast

Andoni Iraola wants Liverpool to keep progressing rather than simply settling for results. Dave Davis and Ben Pescod discuss why Alexis Mac Allister and Ronald Araujo currently look so important to that process, bringing the control, defensive security and balance Liverpool need as Iraola develops his side. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Grizz Khan hosts The Red Room as the panel delivers its early verdict on Liverpool’s start to life under Andoni Iraola. Who has embraced the new manager’s demands, which players have been the biggest surprises, and which of Liverpool’s big names need to offer more? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Liverpool’s draw with Fulham became an important moment in the opening weeks of Andoni Iraola’s reign. Dave Davis and Ben Pescod examine the midfield problems that surfaced, why Liverpool struggled for control and how that performance influenced the decisions Iraola has made since. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dave Davis and Ben Pescod analyse Ronald Araujo’s impressive start at right back and why his defensive qualities are giving Liverpool a different level of security. They look at what Araujo brings to Andoni Iraola’s system and why his performances are making the selection debate increasingly interesting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dave looks at the news & gossip as he names his England XI for the Euros with BBC asking their pundits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dave takes a look around the leagues across Europe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dave looks at the Liverpool squad after their undefeated start to the season. Also Mac mentions his contract again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Could Liverpool's midfield be heading for another significant change? On Newsround, Dave Davis looks at the latest surrounding Alexis Mac Allister's Liverpool future after the midfielder reiterated his desire to remain at one of the world's biggest clubs. Mac Allister still has time remaining on his current deal, but Liverpool face a major decision over whether to extend his stay or begin planning for the next evolution of their midfield. That brings Lamine Camara firmly into the discussion. With Liverpool continuing to be linked with the midfielder, Dave considers whether a potential January or summer move could have major implications for Mac Allister – and why midfield currently looks a much greater transfer priority than adding another attacker. There's also concern surrounding Florian Wirtz, who Dave believes currently looks short of confidence and conviction. The international break could therefore arrive at the perfect moment, with Dave hoping a big performance for Germany can help rediscover some of the qualities Liverpool know are there. But there's much more positive news surrounding Alexander Isak. Four goals in five games represents his best start to a Premier League campaign, and Dave looks at why keeping Liverpool's striker fit and supplying him with enough chances could produce a huge goals return this season. Minteh and Kevin Schade transfer links are also discussed, although Dave questions whether another attacker should really be Liverpool's priority. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Liverpool may be three weeks away from their next match, but there's no shortage of major decisions being made behind the scenes at Anfield. On Newsround, Dave Davis looks at the latest developments in Liverpool's search for a sporting director, with Julian Ward emerging as the internal favourite and Brentford's Lee Dykes also being discussed as a possible co-sporting director or technical director. Dave questions how that structure would work and what it could mean for Pedro Marques, while stressing that Liverpool need clarity quickly. And whoever gets the job will inherit a substantial to-do list. Virgil van Dijk and Alisson are entering the final year of their contracts, while Liverpool also need to secure the future of Rio Ngumoha amid reported interest elsewhere. Dave explains why these decisions make resolving the sporting-director situation increasingly important. On the pitch, Liverpool's defensive transformation continues. Jeremy Jacquet, Van Dijk and Ronald Araujo are producing outstanding duel numbers, while Liverpool have recorded three consecutive Premier League clean sheets. Jacquet's 76.3% duel success rate earns particular praise, but Dave agrees with Van Dijk's message: the youngster should be viewed as his partner and protégé rather than his replacement. Araujo's performances are also forcing a major conversation. Liverpool hold a reported option to make his move permanent, but with the defender turning 28 and other options available, Dave explains why the club can afford to wait before making that call. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cody Gakpo looks rejuvenated, creating chances, completing dribbles and winning nine duels at Bournemouth, while Alexander Isak’s numbers inside the box are moving to another level. Four Premier League goals already, vastly improved xG and more touches in the opposition box suggest Liverpool finally have Isak operating exactly where they need him. If that production continues, 20+ league goals is firmly within the statistical conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices