Peter Crouch shares theory on why Arne Slot dropped Florian Wirtz for Liverpool v Everton

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Arne Slot sprang a couple of surprises in his Liverpool team selection for the Merseyside derby against Everton, leaving two big-money superstars on the bench.

Liverpool have enjoyed a perfect start to their Premier League title defence, winning all four of their games courtesy of last-gasp drama.

But it hasn’t been smooth sailing for one of their eye-catching summer signings, who will require plenty of patience from supporters as he adjusts to life in the top-flight.

That player, of course, is Florian Wirtz, who was brought in for a staggering £116million from Bayer Leverkusen.

Despite picking up an assist on his competitive debut in the Community Shield, Wirtz has since struggled for form, and Slot decided to pull him out of the firing line at Anfield.

Peter Crouch says Arne Slot was right to bench Florian Wirtz

Speaking on TNT Sports ahead of kick-off, Peter Crouch insisted dropping Wirtz was the right call.

“It’s difficult to adjust coming from a different country and playing in the Premier League,” said Crouch. “If ever there’s a high-energy game, it’s the Merseyside derby.

“I think if you look at Everton’s midfield as well, there are some legs, energy and a lot of strength in there as well. Arne Slot might have been going for a little less guile and a bit more steel in midfield.

“I totally get the decision.”

Wirtz was also joined on the bench by Alexander Isak, who joined Liverpool in a £125m deal from Newcastle after a lengthy transfer saga.

Isak made his debut in the 3-2 victory against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night and lasted an hour before being replaced.

Florian Wirtz needs more patience at Liverpool

A magician at his best, there is no doubt that Wirtz will come good at Liverpool given time.

The salient fact is that he is a young player looking to make his mark in the Premier League for the first time, and that’s a tricky adaptation process for even the most seasoned veteran.

Slot is right to have thrown his backing behind the superstar in the press.

Speaking after Liverpool’s win over Atletico, Slot said: “He was indeed a few times close to scoring a goal. He was also a few times close to assisting a goal. I think he was the one who created the most chances for us.

“So, I can see with him as well that he’s getting fitter and fitter and adjusting 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’s a 22-year-old who goes abroad for the first time.”