’Struggling’ Liverpool star is exactly who Arne Slot needs vs Frankfurt to stop losing streak - opinion
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Liverpool must swiftly turn their attention to the Champions League midweek. The Reds do not really know what has hit them as after a rather comfortable first season under Arne Slot, things are not exactly going to plan now in his second campaign in charge.Astonishingly, Liverpool have lost four games on the bounce, with the latest coming against bitter rivals Manchester United just to make matters even worse.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis.
Now, they face a tough trip to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League, with this feeling much more important than it did when the fixtures were first announced.Slot certainly has a lot to think about and changes to be made, and there is one star in particular who simply must start as he could even be their secret weapon. Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty ImagesFlorian Wirtz must start against Eintracht FrankfurtAfter starting on the bench for two games in a row, Florian Wirtz would feel very frustrated if he does not start this one, and rightly so too.
His cameo 30-minute-or-so cameo against Man United will have definitely left an impression on his boss, with the German creating more chances than anyone else on the pitch during the second half.As well as this, he looked a bit sharper with the ball at his feet after ‘struggling’ before, and certainly looks far too good to be wasting away on the bench.With all that in mind, Wirtz simply has to start on Wednesday in the Champions League, with the fact that Frankfurt are their opponents making this choice even more obvious.The 22-year-old knows this team very well after facing them so many times in the Bundesliga, with his record against them showing that he can be decisive in this one.He has five goal involvements in as many games against the German outfit, with four of these being assists.READ MORE: Steve Nicol launches attack on ‘petrified’ Liverpool player after Man United defeatBreaking Frankfurt down is evidently something Wirtz is good at, and with the attacking talent he now has in front of him, this tally is only expected to rise significantly.This could also be a great confidence boost for him to help get his Liverpool career up and running, with a goal contribution in this one hopefully getting rid of any jinx that may be weighing over him.Arne Slot must change his style to suit Florian WirtzRight now, many fans may joke that Slot appears to be building his team around Cody Gakpo rather than his new signings, but if there is anyone it should be built around, it is Wirtz.What he needs is a clinical finisher in front of him, this being Alexander Isak, and two wingers who can score with ease as well as make the runs needed for him to play the killer pass through.On the left, perhaps Slot should opt for Hugo Ekitike there instead, with the Frenchman’s movement a problem every time he starts.For this clash, Federico Chiesa should probably be the option on the right due to his consistent impact off the bench, with his runs in behind something that will only help Wirtz out.Frankfurt would previously be seen as a very winnable game for the Reds, but right now, it looks to be another tricky obstacle to navigate.However, instead of going around it, Wirtz might be the one who is able to smash right through it instead.