Arne Slot is still working out how to get the best out of both Florian Wirtz and Mo Salah when they share the pitch.
Liverpool’s season has largely been about blending experience with youth, but it has not always gone smoothly. The process of merging the old guard with a new wave of talent has not been without its setbacks.
During last month’s controversy, there were reports suggesting that Salah was not pleased with Wirtz’s arrival, viewing him as a threat to his status at Anfield.
It is hard to confirm how accurate that is, but from the German’s side, he seems positive about their relationship. He was recently asked about his first impressions of Salah.
Florian Wirtz on what stands out most about Mo Salah
Florian Wirtz and Mo Salah have not quite clicked the way many expected when the German first arrived at Anfield.
On paper, linking up one of Europe’s top playmakers with the Premier League’s most prolific scorer seemed like a sure thing. But it has not fully come together on the pitch just yet.
That said, there is clearly mutual respect between them. In a recent Q&A with Sky Sports DE, Wirtz was asked if anything about Salah had surprised him since joining up at Liverpool.
Wirtz replied: “He’s so professional, his body, he looks fit, and I already knew he has to work hard to be that fit.”
The German star himself has faced questions about whether he can handle the physical demands of English football. But over time, he seems to be adapting more and more.
If he has not already done so, Wirtz could do worse than ask Salah for some advice on reaching peak fitness. There are few better examples in world football.
Wirtz reveals the player who inspired him growing up
When Wirtz was asked about the player he looked up to as a kid, his answer was straightforward but understandable.
He mentioned Lionel Messi as the player he tried to emulate. If the former Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder can even come close to that level, Liverpool fans will be more than happy with their investment.
Wirtz has started to look like the star many expected him to become, and Slot is beginning to find ways to use his technical ability more effectively.
The hope now is that Salah’s return from AFCON will not disrupt that progress and that the pair can start building a partnership in front of goal.
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