9 hours ago
4
Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer both believe that Liverpool is still getting used to club-record signing Florian Wirtz and the tactical changes caused by Arne Slot integrating the German playmaker.
While Liverpool has beaten Bournemouth and Newcastle so far this season in the Premier League, there have been teething issues with getting the balance right between defense and attack. In both games, the Reds let a two-goal lead slip before Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha stepped up to put their side back in front again.
Speaking on the Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker asked: "Do you think the presence of Florian Wirtz, and the slightly different style that he gives [is causing a problem], because he’s more of a 10, isn’t he?
"He likes to play in that role, but has it caused Liverpool a few early issues? I mean, they’ve got six points, so it’s not massive issues at present. But it’s made them look slightly unbalanced to where they were last season."
"Definitely, yeah," Shearer replied. "I saw them obviously against Bournemouth on TV, and you know what it’s like when you’re watching a game on television rather than watching one live.
"So to see them live [on Monday] without doubt, yeah, their rhythm is nowhere near what it was when they were playing really well last season. They’re finding it difficult to get him into the game, they’re certainly more open."
And Micah Richards added: "Yeah, I would agree with that. I think Wirtz will come good. I think he’s just used to playing a different style of football.
"I think it is a bit physical in this league and they’re still figuring out how they want to play, you know."
Against Bournemouth, Liverpool was too attack-minded, with its full-backs flying forward. On that occasion, it was also missing Ryan Gravenberch.
Against Newcastle, however, the issue was more with set-pieces. Virgil van Dijk was dominant in the air, but both Milos Kerkez and Ibrahima Konate seemed to struggle.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
"Today it was obviously the set-pieces," Van Dijk told reporters at St James' Park. "If we didn't concede the set-pieces, I think it was no problem. That is the feeling that we had.
"Obviously they were still trying [when they went down to 10 men] but we controlled it pretty well and kept the ball pretty well. We were solid.
"But one set piece brings them back into the game and gives them belief. The fans get behind them, and then it is game on."
Liverpool.com says: There is no doubt that Wirtz will come good at Liverpool. In the Newcastle game, there was no space to operate in, but that won't always be the case. In most appearances that he makes for the Reds, it will be a completely different challenge.
English (US) ·