Fresh start at Liverpool opens door for forgotten trio
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Elliott, Bajcetic and Tsimikas handed fresh Liverpool chance as Iraola begins new era
Liverpool’s appointment of Andoni Iraola has already created a sense of intrigue around what comes next at Anfield. While attention naturally falls on marquee signings and established stars, managerial changes often offer something equally valuable: opportunity.
AdvertisementAdvertisementFor players who have drifted to the fringes, a new head coach can represent a reset button. That appears to be the case for Harvey Elliott, Stefan Bajcetic and Kostas Tsimikas, three players whose Liverpool futures looked uncertain not long ago but who may now find themselves back in contention.
According to reporting by Liverpool.com, Iraola is approaching his inherited squad with an open mind and a determination to assess every player on merit rather than reputation.
Speaking shortly after his appointment, Iraola made his stance clear: “For me, and I will tell them, [they] are all new signings. For me, you are all new signings, and I think we have a lot of quality in our squad, and [I’m] really looking forward to working with them.”
That message alone could prove significant for several members of Liverpool’s squad.
Photo: IMAGO
AdvertisementAdvertisementElliott seeking career revival
Few players have more to gain from Iraola’s arrival than Harvey Elliott.
The midfielder’s development stalled over the past two seasons as opportunities became increasingly difficult to secure. A loan spell at Aston Villa was intended to reignite his progress, but it ultimately failed to deliver the breakthrough many expected.
Limited appearances and a lack of consistent minutes left Elliott facing important questions about his long-term future. Yet at 23, there remains plenty of time for the former Fulham youngster to re-establish himself.
Elliott’s technical quality has never been in doubt. His creativity, ability to operate between the lines and willingness to take responsibility in possession remain attractive traits. Under a coach renowned for developing young players and maximising individual strengths, there is every reason to believe Elliott can force his way back into the conversation.
AdvertisementAdvertisementFor a player who once appeared destined to become a key figure at Anfield, pre-season could be the most important period of his Liverpool career.
Bajcetic aiming to make up lost ground
Stefan Bajcetic’s story has been one of frustration rather than failure.
The Spanish midfielder emerged as one of Liverpool’s brightest prospects before injuries interrupted his momentum at the worst possible moment. What looked like the beginning of a rapid rise instead became a lengthy battle for fitness and consistency.
Bajcetic has shown enough during his brief first-team appearances to convince many that he possesses the attributes required to thrive in Liverpool’s midfield. Comfortable receiving under pressure and tactically intelligent beyond his years, he offers qualities that remain highly valued in modern football.
AdvertisementAdvertisementReports suggest he has already shortened his summer break to focus on conditioning ahead of pre-season. That commitment will not go unnoticed by a demanding coach such as Iraola.
With a clean slate available and competition for midfield places expected to be fierce, Bajcetic now has a genuine opportunity to remind everyone why he was regarded as one of the club’s most exciting young talents.
Tsimikas offers proven depth
While Elliott and Bajcetic are fighting to rebuild momentum, Kostas Tsimikas enters the new campaign from a different position.
The Greek international has spent much of his Liverpool career operating as a dependable deputy. Yet squad circumstances could create a more important role for him in the months ahead.
AdvertisementAdvertisementFollowing Andy Robertson’s departure, Liverpool require reliable depth at left-back. Although Milos Kerkez is expected to establish himself as first choice, the demands of a long season mean competition and rotation will be essential.
Tsimikas brings experience, professionalism and familiarity with the expectations that come with representing Liverpool. His loan spell at Roma provided valuable game time and he returns with another year remaining on his contract.
Rather than being viewed purely as a squad player, Tsimikas may prove an important option for Iraola as Liverpool balance domestic and European commitments.
McConnell also pushing for recognition
James McConnell should not be overlooked in this discussion.
AdvertisementAdvertisementThe young midfielder endured a disrupted spell away from Anfield after a move to Ajax failed to develop as anticipated. Injury issues further complicated matters, but he remains highly regarded within Liverpool’s academy structure.
Having already made senior appearances for the Reds, McConnell now enters a crucial summer. Like Elliott and Bajcetic, he benefits from the arrival of a manager determined to evaluate every player individually.
That philosophy may ultimately define Iraola’s early months at Liverpool.
Every managerial appointment brings tactical changes and fresh ideas. Just as importantly, it creates new possibilities for players whose careers have stalled. For Elliott, Bajcetic and Tsimikas, the coming weeks could provide exactly the lifeline they have been waiting for.
Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
