We need answers from Arne Slot: World-class Florian Wirtz disappears | OneFootball

Florian Wirtz returned to Liverpool after an international window when he stamped his world-class credentials all over proceedings.

Against Switzerland last week the 22-year-old delivered a 10/10 performance - scoring two top-quality goals and creating two more via assists in a 4-3 win.

German media was raving about Wirtz in the aftermath - describing the playmaker as unstoppable and all but stating that the Nationalmannschaft’s FIFA World Cup hopes lie with the Liverpool man.

Wirtz looks like the £116m man for Germany

This was the player Richard Hughes was convinced to pay £116m for; a matchwinner in his Bayer Leverkusen pomp, a creator who led Xabi Alonso’s side to an unbeaten German league and cup double.

His outing against Ghana on Monday was more prosaic but fans and critics alike were left in little doubt over his talent.

This Germany team is becoming Florian Wirtz’s team - even in the presence of other top stars like Jamal Musiala and Lennart Karl.

How do we even begin to explain the disparity in performances between what we’ve seen Wirtz put in for Germany and what happens on the pitch for Liverpool?

Where was Wirtz against Man City?

We’ve been hearing all week just how pivotal this FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City was going to be. This was a chance for Arne Slot’s side to compete for a trophy; to show they can still mix it with the best sides around.

But Liverpool were flummoxed after initially enjoying a decent 15-20 minute spell at the Etihad.

A hat-trick from Erling Haaland and another goal from Antoine Semenyo condemned Liverpool to their most humiliating defeat since losing to PSV in the Champions League.

Wirtz flickered in the opening stages - creating openings for his side - but once City got control he was basically non-existent.

That is not to BLAME the £116m man; it’s merely to point out that Arne Slot has got no clue what to do with him.

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Arne Slot doesn't know how to use Wirtz

Liverpool were not sold a dud in the case of Wirtz. Far from it. The interest from Man City and Real Madrid showed that other elite teams knew he could improve them. His status as Germany’s most important player of the day will also testify to that.

But look at his contributions against City for evidence that right now he is undershooting expectations with the caveat that it might not be all his own fault.

He is much more involved for Germany - picking the ball up exactly where he wants it in the left-sided half-space. Wirtz can conjure his magic, create chances and set the tempo.

We see NONE of that for Liverpool and it’s time for Arne Slot to give us answers as to why.

Liverpool got Wirtz on a five-year contract and we are rapidly approaching the end of year one. It’s been a washout. Unless the head coach - or his replacement - can figure this out this threatens to be a waste for both Liverpool and for Wirtz himself.