We need answers from Arne Slot: World-class Florian Wirtz disappears
We need answers from Arne Slot: World-class Florian Wirtz disappears Florian Wirtz returned to Liverpool after an international window when he stamped his world-class credentials all over proceedings. Against Switzerland last week the 22-year-old delivered a 10/10 performance - scoring two top-quality goals and creating two more via assists in a 4-3 win. German media was raving about Wirtz in the aftermath - describing the playmaker as unstoppable and all but stating that the Nationalmannschaft’s FIFA World Cup hopes lie with the Liverpool man.
Wirtz looks like the £116m man for Germany This was the player Richard Hughes was convinced to pay £116m for; a matchwinner in his Bayer Leverkusen pomp, a creator who led Xabi Alonso’s side to an unbeaten German league and cup double. His outing against Ghana on Monday was more prosaic but fans and critics alike were left in little doubt over his talent. This Germany team is becoming Florian Wirtz ’s team - even in the presence of other top stars like Jamal Musiala and Lennart Karl.
How do we even begin to explain the disparity in performances between what we’ve seen Wirtz put in for Germany and what happens on the pitch for Liverpool? Where was Wirtz against Man City? We’ve been hearing all week just how pivotal this FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City was going to be.
This was a chance for Arne Slot’s side to compete for a trophy; to show they can still mix it with the best sides around. But Liverpool were flummoxed after initially enjoying a decent 15-20 minute spell at the Etihad. A hat-trick from Erling Haaland and another goal from Antoine Semenyo condemned Liverpool to their most humiliating defeat since losing to PSV in the Champions League.
Wirtz flickered in the opening stages - creating openings for his side - but once City got control he was basically non-existent. That is not to BLAME the £116m man; it’s merely to point out that Arne Slot has got no clue what to do with him. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anfield Watch (@anfieldwatch) Arne Slot doesn't know how to use Wirtz Liverpool were not sold a dud in the case of Wirtz.