Rising Stars and Strategic Moves
Head coach Arne Slot has expressed optimism about the future of Liverpool, particularly highlighting the improving form of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz. Both players, who are among the most expensive signings in the club’s history, have faced challenges in their first season due to various factors. However, recent performances suggest that they are beginning to find their rhythm and could play a crucial role in the team’s success moving forward.
Isak, who has been hampered by ongoing injury issues, and Wirtz, who has struggled to adapt to the physicality of the Premier League, have both shown signs of progress. Their contributions in last weekend’s 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace were significant, with both scoring in the match. This performance has set the stage for them to start their fourth consecutive game together against Manchester United on Sunday, marking the longest run of the campaign for the duo.
Slot acknowledges that the new arrivals have had their difficulties, which have not been helped by an underperforming team around them. However, in the last month, he has seen glimpses of improvement from both players. He emphasized the importance of converting chances into goals, a challenge the team has faced throughout the season.
“Converting chances into goals is something we haven’t done very well throughout this whole season but one of the players (Isak) we always thought could score goals for us was hardly available,” said Slot. “Last week you could see it was a chance but it wasn’t the biggest chance we’ve had this season and he finished that one off really well by scoring the 1-0 and scoring a goal which is vital in football as it sets you in the right direction.”
Wirtz, who has made seven goals and 10 assists since joining the club, has yet to score against Premier League teams currently occupying European places. This represents a lower-than-expected return for a player who was hailed as a generational talent when he arrived from Bayer Leverkusen. Slot praised Wirtz’s development, noting that his performance in the 93rd minute against Crystal Palace was a clear indication of his growth.
“For me the development Florian has made throughout his Liverpool career, which has only been 10 months, is so clear and obvious,” added Slot. “In the 93rd minute against Crystal Palace making a duel on the sideline, winning a throw-in and then making a sprint from 40 yards and hitting the ball in the top corner – that is something I am not completely convinced he could do the same eight months ago.”
As part of the improvements for next season, there are plans to bolster the backroom staff. The club has been linked with Etienne Reijnen, with whom Slot worked at Feyenoord. Reijnen would have followed Slot to Anfield had there not been work permit issues, which have now been resolved. Slot emphasized the club’s commitment to continuous improvement, whether through players or staff.
“We are always keeping our eyes open to improve the club and that means it could be a player but also a staff. We always look around to see how we can strengthen,” added Slot, who lost Aaron Briggs from his coaching team in December after he paid the price for poor set-piece performances.
Slot also expressed relief that Mohamed Salah’s hamstring injury was only minor and that he is likely to return to play this season. However, he admitted that goalkeeper Alisson Becker remains a doubt for the upcoming match against Old Trafford, as he has not yet trained after seven matches out injured.
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