Slot has option of benching Wirtz and should take it, insists pundit
Liverpool are yet to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold and it has started to cost them victories, according to pundit Jamie Carragher.
The Premier League champions began the season with seven wins in a row in their competitive matches, but have now suffered consecutive defeats against Crystal Palace and Galatasaray.
It has raised questions about how quickly the squad can adapt after a summer of major investment.
The club spent heavily to bring in marquee reinforcements to Arne Slot’s title-winning squad, including Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for £116m and Alexander Isak from Newcastle for £125m. Neither player has yet found their rhythm, with Wirtz still waiting for his first goal or assist.
Carragher claimed that one of Liverpool’s major problems is they are missing the passing range of their former right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who joined Real Madrid last summer in what was essentially a free transfer.
“It sounds odd to say it, but Wirtz was signed to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold – a No 10 to provide the passing range and creativity of a unique full-back,” said Carragher.
“He is yet to add what Liverpool are missing without Alexander-Arnold, while at the same time the team has lost the intensity which made them so difficult to play against.”
Earlier this week the pundit called for Wirtz to be dropped from the starting XI. On social media, memes have been circulating, comparing the German to James Bond after he reached the humorous and unwanted milestone of 007 – no goals and no assists in seven games.
Carragher said it would create a selection and tactical headache for Liverpool’s manager.
“It means Slot has a dilemma as he tries to defend the title going through a transitional phase that might take longer than many thought,” said Carragher.
“He must decide whether to regroup and temporarily revert to the strategy of last season, accommodating Wirtz in a different role or leaving him out entirely until he is up to speed with English football.
“Or he might persist with his vision believing more short-term pain might be necessary until it clicks.
“The latter would be dangerous because even with all the credit in the bank from his title win, there is immense pressure to keep winning, especially when you have spent a combined £230m on two players who are supposed to be ready-made to take a championship-winning side to the next level.”
