Join the Miguel Delaney Inside Football Get exclusive insights and behind-the scenes access to the Miguel Delaney: inside newsletter Football NewsletterJoin the Miguel Delaney inside Football NewsletterA few seconds before Morgan Rogers struck the post as Liverpool were inches away from conceding the first goal in an eight-game streak and in the first 10 minutes for the fourth consecutive time, a voice in the Anfield stand cried out: “Where’s the midfield?” Dominik Szoboszlai was out of the match after one pass. Anguished of Anfield found the answer 90 minutes later. His midfield was there. It was Arne Slot’s midfield, too, his title-winning trio. Slot has repeatedly tried in recent weeks to return to the trio consisting of Ryan Gravenberch (left), Alexis Mac Allister (right) and Szoboszlai. However, his plans were sometimes interrupted by injuries. They can seem Slot’s comfort blanket.When they most needed a reassuring warmth, they got it from the tried and trusted. Saturday’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa was arguably the first time they had all played well this season. Gravenberch’s form has usually been good, but he missed two games at the start and three more recently; in his comeback, he earned praise from Steven Gerrard. Were the season to be curtailed now, Szoboszlai would be the favourite to be anointed Liverpool’s player of the year, though partly for his efforts at right-back. Mac Allister who had missed most of pre-season did not play 90 minutes or look in a condition to do so. Slot was known to select him often, possibly in an effort to go back to the last season. Finally, the Argentinian was back to his old self. The unit came together again. This was all bad news to Florian Wirtz. After the Merseyside Derby, the trip against Chelsea, and Manchester United, this was the fourth Premier League match that the German started on the sidelines. Slot’s title-winning team has been preferred in each match. It was literally true. Apart from the weakened and youthful team that faced Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup, it was the first time Slot’s outfield 10 starters included a lone summer signing: Hugo Ekitike, the most impressive of the expensive influx. Giorgi Mamardashvili also played, and played well, in goal, but there is no doubt Alisson figures in Slot’s strongest side.So, at the moment, Liverpool’s £450m has arguably bought them one addition to their preferred side: Ekitike, taking over from Luis Diaz or the late Diogo Jota. This raises questions about the two record signings. Wirtz was a conspicuous absentee from Saturday’s starting 11 and if there was a theory that there was one spot left in the side for a luxury player, Mohamed Salah underlined why he can merit a bit more freedom. He looked the Salah of old.Alexander Isak’s groin injury may at least have spared Slot an awkward decision for a while. Even if the £125m man is available again, the Dutchman can argue he is being understandably cautious if he benches the Swede against Real Madrid and Manchester City. It would nevertheless mean that, three months into Liverpool’s season, they have barely made any progress in integrating their arrivals into their first-choice team. Liverpool needed to win after a six-game losing streak. Slot said he would not compromise his principles. For him, going back basics didn’t mean packing the defense, playing behind, or using a lower blocking. He used the two full-backs who were more solid defensively. Liverpool’s stability was affected by the addition of Wirtz this season, but they also lost it by purchasing two attacking full-backs. With Jeremie Frimpong injured – and, it seems, scarcely trusted by Slot anyway – he was not in contention. The manager seemed to be stubbornly clinging to Milos Kerkez. Saturday brought Andy Robertson’s belated first league start of the season. Robertson provided more stability in the backline (REUTERS). The Scot wasn’t spectacular, but he made sure Villa posed little threat on their right side. This was a silent advertisement for the virtues of a consistent, seven-out-10-performance. Liverpool has had far too few this season. Conor Bradley was perhaps the best player on the right side, along with Mac Allister. It was again in a frame. “We worked very hard in defending as a team: guys up front, midfield, back line, goalie,” said Virgil van Dijk. “Everyone was fighting hard to get it over the line,” Slot said. They did. While it may be a turning-point, Liverpool’s past also contains warnings. There were moments in the 2022-23 season when Jurgen Klipp was able to address a slump and get a result. The new blueprints did not last very long. Now, the situation has changed. Slot is faced with a dilemma by Wirtz, Isak and Frimpong, as well as Kerkez to a lesser degree. They beat Real and City In a week. And now, in the hope of a repeat, Slot has returned to last season’s players.
2025-11-03 07:12:23
Why the solution to Liverpool’s problems could be bad news for Florian Wirtz
