The Sweden international has only recently joined up with the squad during Liverpool's pre-season tour of the United States, but Iraola is already encouraged by what he has seen ahead of Sunday's friendly against Leeds United in Chicago.

"I've seen a good version of Alex in training," Iraola said.

"It's still early because he has only just started, but hopefully he gets some minutes against Leeds. He's going to be massive for us this season."

Liverpool have already beaten Sunderland and Wrexham during their tour of the United States and will round off the trip against Leeds before returning to Merseyside to continue preparations for the new Premier League campaign.

Iraola also spoke about Florian Wirtz, revealing he expects the Germany international to play in an attacking midfield role behind the striker.

"We need a very good version of Florian because we know what he can give us," Iraola said.

"I see him mainly playing behind the striker. He has played on the left for Germany, but I think that's the position where we will start working with him. He is a very complete player and I hope he starts the season strongly."

The Spaniard said he is pleased with Liverpool's progress during pre-season despite several senior players still returning from FIFA World Cup duty.

"I have one more year of Premier League experience and last season was incredible for me personally," Iraola said.

"Now it's a different challenge. The expectations are higher, the level of the players is higher and I have to adapt tactically to new situations. I think pre-season is going well and we are moving in the right direction."

Liverpool's defensive options have been limited during pre-season following Joe Gomez's injury, but Iraola praised the young defenders who have stepped up.

"We are quite thin at centre-back," he admitted.

"Right now we only have Mor Talla Ndiaye and Ife Ndukwe, who are both 18 years old, and they have done incredibly well. Luke Chambers also filled in there against Wrexham and played really well."

He added that Jeremy Jacquet is ready to return, while Virgil van Dijk is also expected back soon.

Despite the injury concerns, Iraola was pleased with the team's defensive performances.

"Against Sunderland and Wrexham we showed composure and solidity with very young centre-backs. That says a lot about them."

The Liverpool boss also explained why highly-rated youngster Rio Ngumoha featured on the right wing against Wrexham.

"I like my wingers to be able to play on both sides," Iraola said.

"It gives us more tactical flexibility and makes the players less predictable. If they can play both sides, it also gives them a better chance of getting more minutes."

He added that versatility will remain an important quality for any attacking player Liverpool bring in before the transfer window closes.

Iraola admitted he is looking forward to the transfer window shutting because it allows managers to fully focus on building their teams.

"I particularly hate the month of August," he said.

"You start the season without knowing who might leave or who might arrive. There is a lot of uncertainty. When September comes, you know who your squad is and you can build from there."

The Liverpool manager also praised the club's younger players, saying several had impressed him during the tour.

"A lot of the young players have surprised me," Iraola said.

"They have performed at a very high level in these friendly games. They still have room to improve, which is a good thing."

Mamelodi Sundowns refocus on Betway Premiership battle as Richards Bay loom