Yeah, I like the idea of Wirtz basically being our 4th midfielder (second offensive) in possession, having the freedom to go inside, receive, connect, create, etc.
Off the ball, defend more on the sides. It’s really nothing weird, it’s how many players of his ilk started out in this league, before earning the right and becoming key players centrally.
Then you can also play with your full backs, to create shapes that have sense.
Then if we’re struggling to break them down, we can open up more with Gakpo or with pairing Ekitike with Isak.
I agree that on the evidence so far Wirtz imbalances the midfield trio, if he plays as a 10 with two midfielders behind him. It doesn’t give enough defensive solidity. If Slot can engineer a system where it does, I’d like to see it, but so far we look better going to last season’s midfield trio.
Looking at the front three, neither Gakpo or Salah are covering themselves in glory this season, and even though Wirtz is experiencing problems adjusting to the Prem, and adjusting to a new team, I think he will give us more upside in a front three if we persist with it, than either Gakpo or the current version of Salah.
its a fair point, but id argue there is justification…
hes pretty bloody good at this footy thing and his quality is not up for debate, Slot apparently convnced him to come here, so its Slots remit to design a system where he plays a bigger part
he needs to be a pivotal part of this squad for the next phase of this team… the process should start now, especially if we dont look like winning the league.
Transfer speculation: Last thing on Slot’s mind. (dodged question) We have players who can play at CB.
Retaining title: not even thinking about it at the moment. See where we are after 19 games.
Andy Robertson’s Jota comments (managing grief): It is an issue. Thinking about his wife and children. Jota missed. (Slot does look a bit emotional).
Impossible to measure the impact of Jota’s loss on other players. Will not use it as an excuse.
Team News: Robertson training today. Ali will be able to play. Some issues after international break: Bradley and Wirtz unable to play.
Forest: Expecting similar type of game with Dyce in charge.
Schedule: Match fitness more off an issue than a full schedule. 5 defenders available for 7 games. Not expecting any back before then.
Bradley and Wirtz have muscle issues. Conor out for next 22 days. Florian shouldn’t be out that long. (we have RB issues again).
Dom can play RB. Risk to play too many games with Gomez (missed training session yesterday).
Fast starts for Liverpool (not as many as last season): Slot can’t explain difference now, but it makes a difference. Mentioned impact of VVD equaliser being scratched off.
Dom: Slot spoke to the Hungarian players about missing out on World Cup. Hard on players. Isak still has a chance so hard for Dom missing out narrowly. Dom will be fine - always works hard.
Konate contract - Arne doesn’t discuss contracts and doesn’t need to tell journalists that!
TLDR: Ali could be back. Wirtz and Bradley out. We have Right Back problems. We play Forest tomorrow.
We can’t continue with Bradley as first choice right back, as he’s injured more often than he plays. A minimum of three weeks this time with ‘muscle issues’. He might be a good player but he’s a proper sick note.
Great. Probably have to play Dom at right back and can’t even consider Wirtz in the middle
Least Alisson is back. Is Jones fit?*
*Apparently he is… issue is even if we get back to form I expect the situation from the last Premier League campaign after we won the title where the players who played then pick up injuries.
Assume we go one game at a time. We deffo need two CBs going forward if Gomez can’t cover. And I thought we had got out of the break well.
Weren’t the Northern Ireland games also a dead rubber?
Yep need someone who can get on the pitch. Unfortunately he cant.
So we need a new CB and RB as Frimpong played about 90 mins in the league as well.
Id put the Semeydo money towards a new defence.
