The Victor Munoz Liverpool story is only a few months old, but it is already turning heads. Head coach Andoni Iraola has explained the attitude and adaptability behind the summer signing’s fast start at Anfield.
The comeback hero at Brentford
Munoz was a key figure in last Saturday’s 2-1 comeback win over Brentford in the Premier League. On only his ninth appearance for the Reds, he shook off a first-half knock to score an excellent and important equaliser at Gtech Community Stadium.
He started in his natural wide attacking role. When Jeremie Frimpong was injured early in the second half, Munoz was moved to right-back and carried on.
Iraola’s verdict: “a player with hunger”
Speaking at his pre-Villarreal press conference on Monday, Iraola was full of praise for the Spain international.
“Obviously Victor is a player that we know very well.
“I also have a great relationship with Alessio Lisci, who was his manager [at Osasuna] in the past season. He speaks also very well.
“Once you have a player, you really understand what he gives to the group. Attitude-wise, I think he is ready to help in whatever position we need him. He is playing right, left, the other day he played right-back.
“I think he is a player with hunger. He hasn’t played professionally in a big club like Liverpool but he has been in the academy of Barcelona, has been in the academy of Real Madrid, has trained with those teams. He knows the level that is required in those teams. Also with the national team he is having experience.
“So, he is a player that is adapting really well, yes.”
Araujo ready to do “whatever you need”
Munoz is not the only summer arrival impressing Iraola. Ronald Araujo, the No.33, has started eight matches since joining Liverpool on loan from FC Barcelona, operating on the right and in the centre of defence.
Iraola explained how the deal came together:
“Ronald was one of those kind of situations that probably before the market are not there. And while the market is going, situations appear.
“We analysed, we talked to the player and since the first conversation I had with him, I think it was quite encouraging from my side. You see a hungry player, an experienced player, has played in a top club, is willing to show his level.
“I asked him straight away – also because I was considering these situations – ‘Maybe sometimes we will need you playing as a right-back.’ He was ready for everything: ‘Whatever you need.’
“He has proven that he is ready to help the team. The more he plays, the more he also speaks the language, the more he learns from his teammates, also the more we will benefit from his experience.
“But everything has been quite positive with him.”