How Alex Scott’s refusal to sign extension opens the door for an Andoni Iraola Liverpool reunion

Liverpool are one of the handful of Premier League clubs who could reportedly make a move the signature of Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, with the England international attracting interest after rejecting a new contract offer at the Vitality Stadium. 

According to Fabrizio Romano, Scott has turned down Bournemouth’s latest proposal, alerting a number of top clubs including Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal. The Cherries are keen to keep hold of one of their most valuable assets and are attempting to convince the 22-year-old to commit his future to the club with a new deal potentially including a release clause. 

However, the situation could provide the Reds with an opportunity to reunite Scott with new head coach Andoni Iraola. 

Scott worked under Iraola during the Spaniard’s final season at Bournemouth, where the Cherries enjoyed a historic campaign by finishing sixth in the Premier League and securing Europa League qualification. The midfielder made 39 appearances across competitions last season and has featured 89 times for Bournemouth under Iraola since joining from Bristol City. 

A move to Anfield would therefore not only represent a significant step forward in Scott’s career but would also see him arrive with an understanding of the tactical demands expected under Liverpool’s new manager. 

Scott's rise on the south coast

The 22-year-old has become increasingly influential in Iraola's system, most recently enjoying his best season to date and being heavily relied upon as an essential cog in the relentless pressing wheel that was Iraola's Bournemouth.

The Englishman has showcased an ability to carry the ball smoothly through the midfield and beat opponents in one-on-one situations, with 29 successful dribbles and 49 touches in the opposition box last season.

One standout moment of attacking play came in a shock 2-1 victory over a title-charging Arsenal at the Emirates, when Scott burst through the middle of the pitch before shrugging off Martin Zubimendi and firing past David Raya to score the winner.

Aside from his creative involvement in patterns of productive attacking play, Scott's box-to-box midfield profile has made him one of the Premier League's most all-rounded young talents.

The most recent campaign with the Cherries saw the English midfielder record 195 recoveries, 60 tackles and 36 interceptions, statistics that land in the upper percentile when compared to other, more seasoned midfielders in the league.

He also ranked highly among midfielders for headed clearances and possession won in the final third, statistics that boast a physical presence which reaps maximum rewards in a tactical system where midfielders are asked to play box-to-box.

Why Alex Scott fits Liverpool's midfield plans

Liverpool’s midfield situation could force the club into the market this summer, particularly with Curtis Jones attracting interest from Inter Milan and entering the final year of his contract. 

A departure would leave significant responsibility on the shoulders of Trey Nyoni, with Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo and a heavily utilised Dominik Szoboszlai currently providing depth in the deeper midfield positions. 

Scott would offer Liverpool versatility, capable of operating as both a No.6 and a No.8 while bringing the energy and intensity required for the double pivot utilised in Iraola’s aggressive pressing system. 

That familiarity could prove invaluable. High-energy tactical systems often rely on every player understanding their defensive responsibilities when full backs push forward or midfielders drop into deeper positions to maintain defensive balance. 

Scott already understands those movements, having spent years adapting to Iraola’s demands at Bournemouth. 

The price would likely be significant given his age, potential and importance to Bournemouth’s continued development, but Liverpool may view that investment as worthwhile. 

A midfield trio of Gravenberch, Scott and Szoboszlai would provide a blend of athleticism, defensive security, ball progression and attacking threat, a combination that could help Liverpool restore the intensity that was missing at times last season. 

With Scott’s contract situation creating uncertainty, Liverpool may now have an opportunity to make their move. 

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This article was originally published on rushthekop.com as How Alex Scott’s refusal to sign extension opens the door for an Andoni Iraola Liverpool reunion.