Gary Neville reveals the ‘unique quality’ that Liverpool’s new duo have | OneFootball

Ekitike and Wirtz: How Arne Slot’s Liverpool Are Being Shaped by Gary Neville’s Advice

Liverpool’s evolving attacking identity under Arne Slot continues to draw attention across the Premier League, with Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz emerging as central figures in the club’s rebuild. Their growing understanding has been one of the few consistent positives in a challenging campaign, prompting widespread analysis from pundits, supporters, and former players alike.

As reported by Rousing The Kop earlier this week, Gary Neville has offered pointed advice on how Liverpool can maximise the duo’s influence, stressing the importance of tactical proximity and structural clarity. His comments have fed into a wider debate about Slot’s developing system and how best to unlock the club’s most creative talents.

Photo: IMAGO

Slot’s Tactical Vision for Ekitike and Wirtz

Since taking charge at Anfield, Arne Slot has sought to balance control, intensity, and attacking fluidity. Central to that approach has been the relationship between Ekitike and Wirtz, two players who thrive in tight spaces and transitional moments.

Slot’s preference for positional discipline has occasionally limited Liverpool’s attacking freedom, particularly in games where space is restricted. However, when Wirtz operates close to Ekitike, the Reds have looked far more dangerous, capable of playing through compact defensive blocks.

The pair have already combined for several goals this season, underlining their importance to Liverpool’s attacking structure. Their chemistry reflects Slot’s broader vision: quick combinations, intelligent movement, and vertical progression rather than reliance on wide isolation.

With Liverpool competing across domestic and European fronts, Slot’s challenge is to ensure this partnership remains central to his tactical framework rather than becoming a secondary feature.

Gary Neville’s Analysis on Attacking Proximity

Speaking on his podcast, Gary Neville offered a clear assessment of how Liverpool should deploy their emerging stars. His message was simple and direct.

“Just get Wirtz close to Ekitike, get them close together,” Neville said. “Get them near to each other, and you’ll be in business, you’ll score goals.”

He went on to highlight Wirtz’s technical intelligence and spatial awareness.

“He’s got a real sort of quality in tight areas, and he can find the pass, and he can manipulate the ball and understand where he is,” Neville explained. “He knows where he is. So it’s a real unique quality to be able to do that.”

Neville’s comments reflect a wider consensus among analysts: separating Wirtz from Ekitike reduces Liverpool’s creative efficiency. When the two are connected, defensive lines are stretched and central overloads become far more effective.

For Slot, this represents both validation and instruction. The data increasingly supports Neville’s view, with Liverpool’s chance creation improving when the duo operate in close proximity.

Squad Selection Challenges Under Slot

While Ekitike and Wirtz have flourished together, squad rotation has occasionally disrupted their rhythm. Slot has experimented with alternative forward options, sometimes prioritising physicality or defensive balance over creative cohesion.

These changes have not always delivered positive results. In several matches, Liverpool struggled to progress centrally when the partnership was broken up, leading to predictable attacking patterns and reduced xG output.

The dilemma for Slot lies in managing form, fatigue, and competition for places. Maintaining squad harmony while keeping Ekitike and Wirtz together requires careful planning, particularly during congested fixture periods.

With key league fixtures and European ties approaching, selection decisions will carry increased significance. Slot’s ability to resist unnecessary tinkering may determine how far Liverpool can progress this season.

Liverpool’s Future Built Around Creative Chemistry

Looking ahead, Liverpool’s long-term planning appears increasingly focused on building around Ekitike and Wirtz. Both players are seen internally as cornerstones of the post-transition era, capable of defining the club’s attacking identity for years to come.

Their technical compatibility aligns with Slot’s footballing philosophy: high tempo, positional intelligence, and relentless vertical pressure. When deployed effectively, they offer Liverpool a blend of creativity and penetration reminiscent of the club’s most productive attacking periods.

Neville’s assessment reinforces the strategic importance of this partnership. His emphasis on spatial closeness is not merely tactical advice, but a reminder that elite attacking units are built on instinctive understanding.

For Slot, the task is now clear. Preserving and enhancing this connection must remain a priority, particularly as Liverpool seek consistency in domestic and European competition. If managed correctly, the Ekitike-Wirtz axis could become the defining feature of his tenure at Anfield.