Liverpool FC News: Arne Slot "concerned" about Florian Wirtz

Florian Wirtz was considered a luxury signing when Liverpool were first linked with him.

He's one of the most talented young players on the planet and securing him in the summer was a huge moment for the club. By all accounts, his resume suggests he's going to be generational for us.

Attacking midfielders have been lacking on Merseyside recently, with Philippe Coutinho the last real example. However, the Reds have been able to achieve remarkable things without having one.

Bringing a player like Wirtz into Arne Slot's side was always going to be a risk, because the midfield already felt pretty balanced. Now he's arrived, issues have followed. It's not quite as straightforward as playing him where Dominik Szoboszlai used to be, and the Dutch head coach has recognised that.

Wirtz's performances create headlines

Despite his best efforts, Wirtz's start to life at Liverpool has been particularly underwhelming.

If we don't consider the Community Shield, which isn't officially recognised as a competitive fixture, he hasn't got a goal or an assist to his name yet. For a player with 67 goal contributions in his last 94 appearances before joining the Reds, that's really quite dismal.

Of course, there is a level of context to his performances which needs to be considered; not least the 22 chances he's created in the 10 matches he's played so far. He is trying to make things happen.

But there has been a general disconnect in Liverpool's midfield this season, as the attack is seeing less of the ball, with goals coming from players being clinical in moments. It's polarising to watch.

Pete O'Rourke spoke to the Inside Track podcast at Football Insider and revealed how he feels both Slot and the player will be feeling about the problems that Liverpool are dealing with right now.

He said: "There will be a bit of concern. I think there'll be concern from Slot and there'll be concern from Wirtz as well. He's not the only one struggling for form in that Liverpool team, but obviously his price tag and reputation brings even more scrutiny onto Wirtz.

"Liverpool need to be patient, they need to let him get used to his new surroundings with a bit of continuity and to get a settled run in the team. He needs a settled position too, Slot needs to work out where his best position is in this Liverpool team and give him time to adjust to their way of playing."

The Reds' efforts against Chelsea on Saturday was possibly the best example of just how many problems there are for Slot to deal with. Wirtz failed to really change the game for us, but there were far greater issues at play that also need attention. In reality, it's understandable that he's struggling.

In moments, you can see Wirtz's quality really clearly. There was a moment at the start of the second half against Chelsea once he'd been substituted on when he flicked the ball to Salah to get a shot off.

Once he's more comfortable, you'd expect more flashy pieces of link-up play to be used and he'll prove to be a major difference-maker for us, but right now, we're all quietly concerned about him.

Liverpool will have two weeks to ponder over their three consecutive losses, while the players go out to feature for their international sides. With any luck, Slot will make a tactical breakthrough to get us back on track. For now, however, you feel it's just a matter of waiting until we eventually get it right.

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