Despite a perfect four wins from four matches after their victory over Burnley, Liverpool doesn`t appear to be playing at full capacity under Arne Slot. The second year of Slot`s tenure has been marked by challenging decisions regarding new signings and optimal squad positioning, a trend expected to continue.
The impending availability of Alexander Isak introduces further selection dilemmas for the Reds. Hugo Ekitike, who has impressed with two goals and an assist this season, will likely shift to the wing to accommodate Isak. This role isn`t entirely new for Ekitike, as he often played as a secondary attacker at Eintracht Frankfurt, offering Slot increased tactical flexibility.
With the Champions League group stage commencing, squad rotation is inevitable, meaning players like Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz, and Ekitike will likely spend time on the bench. This could potentially benefit Wirtz, who has yet to register a goal or assist in three Premier League appearances, marking a decline from his form at Bayer Leverkusen. As a player who thrives on possession, Wirtz is currently experiencing nearly 25 fewer touches per game at Liverpool.
Several factors contribute to this decrease, including Liverpool`s playing style and the Premier League`s tighter spaces. Crucially, Wirtz was the undisputed star at Leverkusen, with play often revolving around him. At Liverpool, however, he`s part of a constellation of stars, where even Mohamed Salah doesn`t monopolize possession. While Wirtz`s involvement is expected to grow, his current role also reflects Liverpool`s long-term planning for future seasons.
Slot`s preferred 3-4-3 formation is currently challenging to implement with Salah in the squad, as it would necessitate benching one of Wirtz, Isak, or Ekitike. This issue, compounded by players like Dominik Szoboszlai vying for spots, is typical for a top-tier club. Slot`s challenge is to manage player morale while ensuring Liverpool maintains its top league position, a feat he has so far achieved without Wirtz being at his peak.
However, Wirtz will need to elevate his performance in the Champions League. Last season, Liverpool topped their group but failed to win the competition and suffered an early FA Cup exit. While these setbacks are more palatable when marching towards a league title, a lack of deep runs this season could signal a worrying trend. As the fixture list intensifies, Wirtz`s optimal form will be crucial; without it, Liverpool could face significant challenges, as a team cannot consistently underperform its potential for extended periods in the Premier League.
