Arne Slot Praises Two Liverpool Stars as 'Work in Progress' Improving

Liverpool FC head coach Arne Slot has lauded midfielders Curtis Jones and Florian Wirtz for their pivotal roles in the team's resurgence, describing their development as a positive "work in progress" amid injury setbacks.[1][2][3]

Jones, the 24-year-old academy graduate, has been instrumental in Liverpool's best run since September, including a standout performance in their Champions League win over Inter Milan at the San Siro. Slot highlighted Jones' fearlessness with the ball: "One of the main qualities he has is that he always wants to have the ball no matter the situation, 99 times out of 100 that is very positive." He also praised Jones' newfound stamina, playing 90 minutes across four or five consecutive games.[1][3]

Meanwhile, Wirtz broke his scoring duck with his first goal for Liverpool in a thrilling 2-1 Premier League victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield. Slot called Wirtz "special" in many moments, noting his growing fitness and contributions beyond goals: "He will score many more goals for us... I think Florian did more than just score today."[2][4] Wirtz assisted by Ryan Gravenberch's goal in the same match, helping secure a fourth straight win across competitions.[4][5]

This form has lifted Liverpool to fourth in the Premier League, 13 points behind leaders Arsenal, after a dismal spell of nine defeats in 12 matches. Slot acknowledged the squad's improvement despite absences: British record signing Alexander Isak (sidelined months with a broken leg) and Giovanni Leoni (season-ending ACL injury). He views summer signings like Jeremie Frimpong—who provided an assist against Wolves—as "great examples" of untapped potential once fit.[1][3][5]

Slot remains optimistic: "If you replace players, it takes time... but it gets better after a certain period." With upcoming fixtures against Leeds, Fulham, and Arsenal, Liverpool heads into 2026 with renewed hope.[2][6]

The Wolves match also featured emotional tributes to former Reds forward Diogo Jota, killed in a car accident, which Slot described as "special."[5][7]

(Word count: 298)