I think that a lot analysts pointed out that Wirtz’ numbers when it comes to running and pressing were actually good. I don’t see him as lazy, unwilling or anything of the sort, more like lightweight and unaccustomed to the pace and strength of the league. I will believe that the midfield of Gravenberch, Szoboszlai and him can work - until it’s proven it can’t.
That said, he, Isak and Ekitike were definitely a part of that plan to replace Salah’s insane goal and assist output. Theoretically, they (and left wingers) could share it, so we don’t have to rely on a once-in-a-decade player. It’s not going well, though, but I still prefer that option to the other one you presented…
I said this in the post game Villa thread, but I’ll say it here, as I think it is the big job that Slot has on his hands. A win against an in form Villa side was just the ticket. Clean sheet, hard fought, better from Macca, Salah, Szobo bossed it… lots to like.
He sorted out the immediate need, which was to get a performance and a win. Good.
Beyond that, the upper story I am watching is how Slot is able to usher in the new future. Apart from two attacking fullbacks, we have some very expensive attacking talent - Wirtz, Ekitike, Isak - that needs to come to the fore and start to boss it for us. I’m watching to see when and how that will happen.
In addition to that, we will need to give attention to finishing the team rebuild, especially in central defence, possibly another deep midfielder, and a Salah replacement.
Slot did so well in winning the league. Top marks. The thing I’m watching now is how he is going to build, shape, and deploy the new team that is starting to come into focus. It’s not there yet, but it will be the key to our future prospects.
Ekitike has integrated very well, and I’d say that he has been a success so far, even for the amount of money the club laid out for him.
Wirtz and Isak both need time, for different reasons. Wirtz because he is in a different league now and has to adapt, and Isak because he’s off-form, and now injured.
Kerkez obviously needs time too. It comes as a bit of a suprise, as he should be accustomed to the PL circus by now, but there must be an issue somewhere. Hopefully something which can be adressed going forward.
Frimpong will be a success if he can stay fit, I’m sure of it.
Mamarshvili is a good back-up goalie for Alli.
It’s far from plain sailing for Slot, but not entirely bleak. And we should try to forget about the transfer fees. It’s just money after all, the least interesting part about football. Let’s just take the players as if they had all the same transfer value, and look at how they develop.
Ekitike has started well, completely agree. The big ‘project’ for Slot will be in integrating the new talent and forming a new team, with a few more changes presumably coming soon, such as in central defence.
On the one hand I agree that the price doesn’t matter so much, and it is part of the mad world of football. On the other hand, the price, especially when you pay a lot, is an indication as to how important you anticipate the player will be for you.
At that point 125M Isak and 116M Wirtz should both become important players for us, and I’m looking to see how Slot solves it as we move forward.
It might be something as simple as the difference between playing for a side that often has 2/3rds of the ball versus a side that had it less than half. The modern fullback position is incredibly demanding both physically and mentally, and an attacking possession side really accentuates that mental challenge. He is probably playing a significant portion of the match needing to think more carefully about what he needs to be doing, where with Bournemouth it was very frequently either defence or counter.
I believe that Slot was basically indicating that the fans are backing him as well through this tough period of time. I do not see anything wrong with that.
There are also people paid to make decisions even taking a different context into calculation. Yes, it’s absolutely different to play for Bournemouth (even if we’re not talking about a negative side here, they are pretty good which in a way made some of their players extra attractive for big clubs) for one season and then go to Liverpool with the idea to be the starting LB for years to come. Not every young player from a team like Bournemouth who was in the team of the year is destined for the top. I mean, I didn’t watch a lot of Bournemouth games last season, but I’m a bit disappointed with some aspects of Kerkez’s game. I think the public felt we were getting this dynamic full back great going forward, but needed to show he can defend at the top level. I’m seeing something different. Even technical weaknesses and that’s regardless if you play for Bournemouth or Liverpool. Some players will get there with time. Some won’t. We’ve seen numerous examples of both scenarios.
