Andoni Iraola hails Victor Munoz as 'a player with hunger' after Liverpool's Brentford comeback
Andoni Iraola has described Victor Munoz as "a player with hunger" who is adapting really well at Liverpool, days after the summer signing helped inspire a 2-1 comeback win over Brentford.
On his ninth appearance for the Reds, Munoz shook off a first-half knock to score an important equaliser at the Gtech Community Stadium last Saturday.
He started in his natural wide attacking role but was switched to right-back after Jeremie Frimpong was injured early in the second half. With Dominik Szoboszlai also joining Frimpong on the sidelines, Munoz could be asked to deputise at right-back with Liverpool light in the position.
Speaking at his pre-Villarreal press conference on Monday, Iraola pointed to his existing knowledge of the Spain international and his relationship with Alessio Lisci, Munoz's manager at Osasuna last season.
“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.”
The Liverpool head coach believes Munoz's background at two of Spain's biggest academies has prepared him for the step up.
"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," Iraola said.
"So, he is a player that is adapting really well, yes."
Araujo 'ready for everything'
Iraola also discussed Ronald Araujo, another of his signings ahead of 2026-27. The No.33 has started eight matches since joining on loan from Barcelona, operating on the right and in the centre of defence.
"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,'" Iraola revealed.
“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.”
