Florian Wirtz verdict delivered as Arne Slot faces Liverpool selection demands
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Liverpool take on Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday but the conversation is being dominated by whether Arne Slot should stick or twist with Florian WirtzRichard has reported on English football at every level from the National League through to the Premier League. Wirtz's performances for Liverpool have come in for scrutiny with Jamie Carragher and Wayne Rooney dissecting the Germany international's start to life at the Premier League champions.Slot is facing his first blip since taking charge of the Reds as the defeat to Galatasaray was the first time that Liverpool have suffered back-to-back defeats since March and only the second since he succeeded Jurgen Klopp last year.READ MORE: Marc Guehi opens up on what happened after failed £35m Liverpool transferREAD MORE: Hugo Ekitike injury latest as major Liverpool hint dropped for ChelseaThe Reds could be knocked off top spot before a ball is kicked in London this weekend and the pressure will be on in their final match before the international break, with a showdown against Manchester United to come upon the resumption of top-flight football.Carragher suggested that the 22-year-old should be taken out of the firing line for Liverpool ahead of their third away encounter of the week at Stamford Bridge on Saturday (5pm kick-off).ECHO writers have had their say whether the former Bayer Leverkusen star should remain in the fold...'I was expecting more' - Richard GarnettAt the start of the season I predicted on the Blood Red podcast that Florian Wirtz would be Liverpool's player of the season.
Of course, he is not helped in this aspect by being signed for a club-record fee, but that is something that both Liverpool and the player has to live with.His ability is not in question, but how he can operate effectively in Arne Slot's side is very much open for debate. My chief concern with regards to the German play-maker is that he appears to want too long on the ball and does not appear to have fully adapted to the physical demands of the Premier League, nor the high workrate that Slot demands.For these reasons, I think the Dutchman should start with Wirtz on the bench against Chelsea and go with a more industrial midfield, more like the one that cruised to the Premier League title last season.Liverpool have an embarrassment of attacking riches at their disposal but getting them all on the same page might take a little longer.Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL packageThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.
Learn moreSky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.'Dropping him would only harbour his quality' - Stephen KillenDropping Florian Wirtz would only harbour his ability and while the statistics don't reflect too kindly, he has shown glimpses of the quality he can offer Liverpool.Needless to say, the German international has arrived at a Liverpool side that aren't as defensively stable as last season and with a much-changed attacking arsenal.Although, it does feel like with the media coverage surrounding Wirtz a selection decision has to be made and the right one would be taking him out of the firing line. Arne Slot has tried to accomodate his qualities and the Reds struggled against Crystal Palace but against Chelsea, it would probably be benefical if he had an impact from the bench.For the latest news and breaking news, visit liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/liverpool-fc.