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Paul Merson has suggested Arne Slot should move Florian Wirtz to the left in order to help Liverpool’s summer signing - although that does come with a warning for the Reds’ other players.
It has been something of a tricky start to life on Merseyside for Wirtz following his record transfer from Bayer Leverkusen. The 22-year-old has started all four of Liverpool’s games so far this season, although he has only recorded one assist during the Community Shield at Wembley.
The international break didn’t offer much relief for him either, despite scoring a brilliant free-kick against Northern Ireland this week, with the German media pulling no punches on his performances.
Despite his big-money move, Wirtz’s place in Slot’s side could come under pressure, especially with Dominik Szoboszlai - Liverpool’s regular No.10 last season - impressing while filling in elsewhere.
Former Arsenal midfielder Merson therefore thinks Slot may have to look at moving Wirtz away from his current position in order to fit in all of his best players - including deadline day signing Alexander Isak - although that could cause its own issues.
Making his predictions for the next round of Premier League games, which will see the Reds travel to Burnley on Sunday, Merson told Sportskeeda: “I don't know how Burnley can keep Liverpool quiet for 90 minutes. It just feels impossible.
“But the real challenge for Arne Slot begins when all his players are fit. He spent big on Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, so those two must definitely start?
“But who do they take out of this team? Where do you play Dominik Szoboszlai? He's been terrific but you surely can't keep playing him at right-back? The midfield trio of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Szoboszlai played a huge role in Liverpool's success last season. So I think Slot has a big headache in terms of team selection now.
“Wirtz is a top player. But there isn't any need to change something which isn't broken! The Liverpool midfield looks a bit weak now and if they get overrun in that part of the pitch, it's a huge problem.
“If I had to pick Liverpool's best front-three right now, I would go with Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo. If I had to do the same with their midfield, I would put Szoboszlai in there instead of Wirtz.
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“Should Wirtz play ahead of Gakpo on the left then? He's probably better off doing that because he will definitely get more space than in the middle. But let's not forget the knock-on effect it will have on the likes of Gakpo and Hugo Ekitike, who will also fancy playing there after Isak's arrival.”
Liverpool.com says: It will take time for Wirtz to find his feet, but there’s no denying that Szoboszlai deserves his place in the side at the moment, so that is going to be a challenge for Slot to find a way of fitting both in.
The fact that the games will be coming thick and fast now after the international break will likely help in that regard, and give Slot more opportunities to make sure Wirtz isn’t being overworked as he looks to find his rhythm. Hopefully that doesn’t take too long though.
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