Wayne Rooney names Liverpool player who ‘damages the balance’ of Arne Slot’s system

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The 26-year-old made two errors leading to a shot and was dribbled past once against Crystal Palace.Mohamed Salah’s drop off has also been mapped with major concerns over the Liverpool winger’s form this season after his worst-ever start to a season since joining the club in 2017. Hailed at the time as a groundbreaking move, the German is struggling to find his role in Arne Slot’s team.Against Palace, he had some good touches but seemed unsure of himself.

Wayne Rooney has asserted that Liverpool didn’t actually need to sign him, while stating that Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak are good signings for the Reds. “I think Wirtz actually damages the balance of Liverpool, how they play him.

“But he’s a top player and I’m sure he will get better, of course he will, but he’s had a slow start and I think there’s no denying it.”Arne Slot needs to define Wirtz’s role at Liverpool clearlyWhile Wirtz hasn’t been perfect for Liverpool, it’s unclear how Arne Slot wants to use him.So far, the German has been used on the left wing, as a No.10 and in a midfield three.Against Palace, despite starting on the left flank, Wirtz’s heatmap shows he played more on the right than anywhere else. There are also several new signings adjusting to life at Anfield, so it’s likely he will come right at Liverpool, but Slot needs to make it easier on him by giving him more positional consistency.