Arne Slot explains why Florian Wirtz was so quiet in Liverpool’s win over Newcastle

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Arne Slot recalled a Premier League match between Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers in 2010 to explain why Florian Wirtz struggled to make an impact against Newcastle United on Monday night.

Wirtz took only 41 touches of the ball at St James’ Park – ranking ninth among Liverpool players – as 10-man Newcastle gave the champions a torrid evening.

The manager blamed Newcastle’s “playing style” for a disjointed performance, pointing out that it had been 15 years since a Premier League game last saw the ball in play for such a low proportion of the match.

“There was only 40 per cent ball in play against Newcastle,” Slot said, when asked why Wirtz didn’t have more involvement.

“To have a lot of touches it’s difficult when the ball is in the air, it was duel after duel after duel, set-pieces to defend, to attack, there was much football over the ground.

That playing style of every ball long, every set-piece thrown into your box, is a playing style where it’s not so easy to play your best game for Florian, for Mo, for Cody [Gakpo], for Hugo [Ekitike].

“Newcastle can play a different style, but this style suits them well, if you look at how tall their players are.