Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola names ‘incredible’ ex-Celtic man as his most underrated ever player

Andoni Iraola has named Ryan Christie as the most underrated player he has ever coached.

The pair spent three seasons working together at Bournemouth, where the midfielder headed in a cut-price move from Celtic in the summer of 2021.

Christie was a hugely effective player when breaking through under Brendan Rodgers in 2018. In the following season which was cut short by the pandemic, he was one of the main contributors to Neil Lennon’s attack.

His form dropped off in a closed-doors campaign in which he played as a second striker and winger, but under the tutelage of Iraola, he reinvented himself in a double pivot at Bournemouth.

Asked the most underrated player he has worked with, Iraola told Viaplay in an interview: “I’ve coached a lot of underrated players, a lot… I would say probably Ryan Christie. Ryan Christie is an incredible football player. I enjoyed, from the bench, watching him play.

“This is lovely, no? When you are coaching a team, and you have these moments when you are almost laughing because he is doing so well. I felt this with Ryan Christie.

Iraola applied for the Celtic job back in 2023, throwing his hat into the ring before the Hoops secured the return of Rodgers. He was available as a free agent after departing Rayo Vallecano.

Discussing the Spanish boss, Christie admitted that he had helped him finally find his best position, saying: “I owe him a lot. It took me until 28 to find my position on the football park, which has got to be a first.

“But he’s been brilliant for me. Obviously the position change has suited me down to a tee. You know where you stand with him, and how hands-on he is on the football pitch.

“It’s really easy to understand what’s expected of you and how front-foot he wants you to be. Probably the one thing he’s taught me is how being relentless is a big thing in football.”