Slot has the chance to allow ’struggling’ star to kick-start his Liverpool career vs Southampton - opinion
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Liverpool will field a heavily-rotated side for their Carabao Cup fixture on Tuesday.
The Reds have enjoyed a perfect start to their title defence after winning five matches from five, although there is no time to reflect as games keep coming thick and fast.
Next up for Arne Slot and his side are Championship side Southampton, a team they know well after dumping them out of the same competition last season.
And just like in that game, Liverpool are expected to make a lot of changes, especially with two tough fixtures to come in the form of Crystal Palace and Galatasaray away.
However, despite not starting at the weekend, there is one player who might regain his usual place in the side, with this potentially the game that can kick-start his Liverpool career.
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When he first arrived, Florian Wirtz was tipped to be the next big thing and dominate the league for years to come, although that has not happened just yet.
The 22-year-old has been ‘struggling’ so far to adapt, with the pressure of that £116m price likely playing a role in this.
However, he has still shown flashes of brilliance and just needs that one moment to really spur him on, with this game against Southampton being the perfect one for this to happen in.
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Although he was mainly brought in for the big moments and would be expected to sit games like this out, he needs consistent minutes to be able to adapt quickly.
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Above all, he just needs a goal or an assist as well, and with all due respect to Southampton, he should be more than capable of getting this against them, especially based on how they have started their season.
He will likely be one of the more experienced players in the Liverpool side based on overall career appearances if he does start, something that he might thrive on and help lead the charge.
Although this is ‘only’ a League Cup fixture, both the players who cost Liverpool in excess of £100m each will likely start, something that could help one another out.
Alexander Isak needs minutes to get back to full match fitness, suggesting he will be the striker leading the line.
So, both can help each other out with their link-up play and potentially both get on the scoresheet, with the Wirtz and Isak combination one that many Reds fans will be hoping to see a lot this season.
Liverpool will be hoping to make it seven wins from seven at the start of the new campaign, and Wirtz might just play an integral role in helping this to happen.