Familiarity Crucial to Wirtzs Success at Liverpool Slot Explains

Florian Wirtzs improved performances lately for Liverpool stem from growing rapport with his fellow players according to manager Arne Slot.

The forward signed for 100 million pounds 136 million dollars faced challenges settling into the Premier League after joining from Bayer Leverkusen in Germany managing no goals or assists until assisting Alexander Isak in the 2-1 victory against Tottenham on December 20.

A week afterwards the 22 year old German netted his debut league goal for Liverpool.

Wirtz now approaches Sundays home game versus Manchester City with strong momentum having scored six times in his previous 10 outings for the current English title holders.

I believe it starts with crediting the player himself as he puts in the effort both during matches and in training facilities Liverpool boss Slot commented regarding Wirtz.

As a coach even if hes facing some physical difficulties early on you must continue selecting him since thats the sole method for players to progress Slot explained.

Slots choice to overlook early backlash against Wirtz and persist with him in the lineup is paying off handsomely now.

Perhaps he now shares stronger links with his colleagues due to increased shared playing time remarked Slot.

You gain that advantage by fielding them alongside one another repeatedly. Yet the most notable progress I observe is in his off ball movements along with several teammates.

The Dutch coach continued That mix prepares you for the Premier League demands as the division requires excellence in possession and without it.

Clashes between Liverpool and City have frequently shaped the outcome of the English championship battle.

For this weekends fixture though merely City remain in genuine position to threaten table toppers Arsenal while Liverpool trail the leaders by 14 points.

This represents yet another chance to assess our teams evolution said Slot prior to the Sunday showdown succeeding Liverpools 4-1 triumph over Newcastle at Anfield the prior weekend.

We recognise the significance of securing points on Sunday yet that applies to every one of the 20 Premier League sides competing this round.

With the seasons closing stages every outcome carries greater weight. City demonstrate their quality by defeating Newcastle on Wednesday an opponent we overcame last weekend without deploying our full strength lineup. It highlights just how formidable City remain and likely always will be Slot noted.