Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz could prompt change in approach for new Liverpool boss
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SportFootballLiverpool FCArne Slot was rarely able to call on Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz this season but that may be about to change for the new Liverpool bossIt probably wasn't high on Arne Slot's to-do list having been given a chunk of unexpected free time following his sacking as Liverpool boss on Saturday morning.But if the Dutchman chose to check in on two of his former Reds players, he would be forgiven for wondering what might have been as both Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak signalled their intent ahead of the World Cup with goalscoring contributions.Playing on the left of the more advanced midfield three, Wirtz posted an impressive performance and was on hand to tap in Germany's second in their 4-0 friendly win over Finland on Sunday.More eye-catching, though, was the sight of Isak in full flow when notching an outstanding consolation for Sweden in their 3-1 friendly loss in Norway on Monday evening.The striker came on in the 63rd minute, and within 13 minutes had notched impressively when he raced from just inside the Norway half on to a long ball down the left flank, held off his marker and advanced into the area before curling a shot into the top corner."Hopefully our confidence won't be affected too much," said Isak afterwards. "I don't think our supporters should be worried.
It didn't go well against Norway but this is just preparation. We will try to win on Thursday and come to the World Cup with a good feeling."Given Sweden - who qualified through the back door of the play-offs having finished a dismal last in their group - have been drawn alongside Holland, Japan and Tunisia in the World Cup, it won't be straightforward.But it will no doubt have intrigued Liverpool supporters that Isak, having made just one 23-minute substitute appearance in the last month of the campaign and failing to get off the bench for the season finale against Brentford just eight days earlier, was seemingly operating at full speed for his country.Slot was rarely if ever afforded such a luxury with Isak following the 26-year-old's protracted British record £125million transfer from Newcastle United at the start of September.Indeed, with Wirtz having cost a potential £116m from Bayer Leverkusen, the big-money duo spent just 632 minutes on the pitch together during the whole of the season in all competitions - the equivalent of just over seven full matches.Their longest spell together was the 86 minutes they managed in the 1-1 draw at home to Sunderland in December, after which only 196 minutes came when the pair both started a game.
Wirtz and Isak have been alongside each other in the Liverpool XI only eight times.International tournaments are usually a time for club managers to cross their fingers and hope for the best regards their players avoiding serious injury.But for Slot's successor - and former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is edging ever nearer to being confirmed - it may well prove of benefit for Wirtz and in particular Isak to enjoy runs deep into the World Cup with their respective countries.The hope will be it helps the duo to hit the ground running next season - and give the new Reds boss an advantage Slot was never afforded.Choose Liverpool Echo as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCAlexander IsakFlorian Wirtz