Arne Slot shares what people have been forgetting about Florian Wirtz after Liverpool transfer

Add as preferred source on Google

Florian Wirtz showed moments of quality as he helped Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid 3-2 on Wednesday evening.

Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid 3-2 on Wednesday night, but were made to work hard for all three points.

Virgil van Dijk’s late winner handed Liverpool the victory after Atletico had roared back from going 2-0 down inside the first five minutes.

In truth, Liverpool were guilty of squandering great chances right through to Hugo Ekitike firing over the bar late on.

• READ MORE: Ally McCoist says Hugo Ekitike did something quite astounding after replacing Alexander Isak for Liverpool

Arne Slot sends reminder on Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz

Florian Wirtz caught the eye alongside Alexander Isak, as Liverpool’s two huge summer signings played together for the first time.

One moment saw Isak play Wirtz in on goal, but the German could not find Jeremie Frimpong for a tap-in.

There were encouraging signs from Wirtz in terms of his connection with the Liverpool attack, but many will look at just two statistics: no goals, no assists.

Wirtz is still waiting for his big Liverpool moment, but he has been defended by boss Arne Slot.

Speaking on Liverpool’s official website, Slot highlighted one factor that many people are forgetting – that Wirtz has moved to a new country at 22.

Slot spoke from experience, noting that he moved away from the Netherlands for the first time in his 40s last year and was still taken aback by how his life changed.

The Dutchman has some sympathy for a man around half his age making that same adjustment, but praised Wirtz’s display against Atletico.

“He was indeed a few times close to scoring a goal, and he was also a few times close to assisting a goal – I think he was the one that created most chances for us today,” said Slot. “

So I can see with him also that he is getting fitter and fitter and adjusting more and more to us, which is normal. You need a bit of time to adjust.

“We all know how much quality he has, but sometimes people forget that he is a 22-year-old that goes for the first time abroad. I am 47 now because it is my birthday today, but last year I came when I was 46, and I know it was my first time working abroad, and in the first two or three months, your whole life is changing,” he added.

• READ MORE: Rafael Benitez shares what ‘Newcastle United people’ have told him about Alexander Isak to Liverpool

Merseyside derby could be the perfect time for Florian Wirtz to announce himself

Liverpool fans have seen flashes of Wirtz’s class, but the focus on goals and assists means some are waiting for one big moment.

That moment should come sooner rather than later, and this weekend’s Merseyside derby could be the perfect time.

Everton head to Anfield this weekend, and David Moyes will be looking to frustrate and stifle Slot’s star-studded attack.

A Wirtz goal against the Toffees would make him an instant derby-day hero and provide the perfect platform for further success at Anfield.