Arne Slot praises ‘quality’ Liverpool star’s performance against Atletico Madrid | OneFootball

Slot Praises Wirtz as Liverpool’s Quality Shines Through

Liverpool’s latest European triumph over Atletico Madrid brought more than just another late winner, it highlighted the growing influence of Florian Wirtz.

Wirtz Shows Encouraging Signs

Arne Slot was quick to highlight the German’s display. “He was indeed a few times close to scoring a goal and he was also a few times close to assisting a goal, I think he was the one that created most chances for us today. So I can see with him also that he is getting fitter and fitter and adjusting more and more to us, which is normal.”

Photo IMAGO

Slot reminded everyone of the wider context. “We all know how much quality he has but sometimes people forget that he is a 22-year-old that goes for the first time abroad. I am 47 now because it is my birthday today but last year I came when I was 46 and I know it was my first time working abroad, and in the first two or three months your whole life is changing.”

Adapting to Slot’s Demands

Switching from Bayer Leverkusen’s 3-4-3 to Liverpool’s 4-3-3 was always going to be a challenge, but Slot sees progress. “Combine that with going to a new club, a new playing style… we ask a bit more from him off the ball and defensively as well. But I can see him growing, growing, growing more and more and more.”

Photo IMAGO

Quality Beginning to Shine

Wirtz looks increasingly comfortable in Liverpool red, providing creativity and composure. Slot summed it up: “That is what you can expect from a quality player, who always adjusts to what he needs. And he and the team will get better and better, but I liked his performance today already a lot.”

For Liverpool, the challenge is to build on this momentum and turn encouraging performances into a consistent standard that will sustain their push for silverware.