---
title: "‘Encouraging’ – Andoni Iraola raves about Liverpool player despite recent struggles"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/encouraging-andoni-iraola-raves-about-liverpool-player-despite-recent-struggles/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Vishal Subramanian"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2026-10-14T05:14:18Z"
modified: "2026-10-14T05:14:19Z"
---

# ‘Encouraging’ – Andoni Iraola raves about Liverpool player despite recent struggles

**Liverpool are set for their second UEFA Champions League clash under Andoni Iraola as they take on LASK later today.**

The Reds beat Atletico Madrid in their first group phase game and will look to make it two successive victories in the competition.

Iraola’s side, however, are coming on the back of a 3-0 hammering against Manchester City, so an away win in Europe would be a nice way to make amends.

Ryan Gravenberch went through a whirlwind of emotions vs the Cityzens. He was the best player on the pitch but was sent off in the 61st minute for a needless foul, which led to a second booking.

And Iraola feels he’s really happy with the Dutchman despite his red card last weekend.

## Andoni Iraola praises Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch

Gravenberch has been in and out of the team this season under Iraola and has struggled to find his best form.

However, against Manchester City, he dominated proceedings right from the get-go and was unlucky to be sent off as his first foul on Eliott Anderson didn’t really deserve a booking.

Speaking ahead of the game against LASK, Iraola praised the Dutch international, which is a big sign that he is held in high regard.

> Andoni Iraola on Ryan Gravenberch:\
> \
> “I was very happy for him, very happy for him because he’s had difficult moments this season, sometimes he hasn’t played as much as he wanted and I think in a big game like this he played with confidence. It’s encouraging but unlucky for us and… [pic.twitter.com/305IevfIMt](https://t.co/305IevfIMt)
>
> — AS (@Anfield\_Sector) [October 13, 2026](https://x.com/Anfield_Sector/status/2110099203980468440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

“I was very happy for him, very happy for him because he’s had difficult moments this season.

Sometimes he hasn’t played as much as he wanted and I think in a big game like this he played with confidence,” said the Spaniard at his pre-match press conference.

“It’s encouraging but unlucky for us and him he won’t play against Brentford, but I think to recover that level of performance for a player like Ryan for us is really encouraging.”

With Szoboszlai out with a hamstring injury, Gravenberch will surely start in the centre of the park later today, with Trey Nyoni or Alexis Mac Allister alongside him.

​