Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz were named in a Liverpool XI for the first time, with Arne Slot suggesting the former may find it a little easier to find top form quickly
Arne Slot greets Alexander Isak after his Liverpool debut
Arne Slot greets Alexander Isak after his Liverpool debut
Arne Slot has hinted that Alexander Isak's experience in English football could help him find top form at Liverpool before Florian Wirtz. The two massive summer signings were used in a starting 11 for the first time on Wednesday night as the Reds left it late again to beat Atletico Madrid.
Liverpool made it five dramatic wins on the spin with Virgil van Dijk scoring an injury time winner to spark chaos inside Anfield. It’s been a perfect start to the season for the Premier League champions, who are only set to get better as their summer signings continue to settle.
Isak made his debut for the Reds following his bitter Newcastle transfer saga, with the Swede lacking match fitness after going on strike to force his move. Meanwhile, Wirtz was making his sixth competitive appearance including the Community Shield.
And while this was arguably the German’s most impressive showing, involving himself in all that Liverpool did well. He is still waiting for a second goal contribution for his new team, having registered an assist at Wembley against Crystal Palace.
Isak also failed to find the net against Atleti, but Slot revealed that even he was surprised at how physically ready he appeared for his new team. “I was positively surprised by how fit Alexander was during the 60 minutes," the Reds boss said.
"That maybe tells you that it might be different to sign a 20-year-old from a different league than a 25-year-old used to playing in this league. Although he only trained for two weeks, he has so many games under his belt in this league.”
It’s a slightly different story for Wirtz, who at 22, is adapting to a new country and a new team. And Slot insists that patience is required before he fully hits his straps.
He said: “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.
Florian Wirtz put in a much improved performance against Atletico
Florian Wirtz put in a much improved performance against Atletico
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
“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.”
Slot added: “Combine that with going to a new club, a new playing style because [Bayer] Leverkusen played 3-4-3 and we play 4-3-3 and so we ask a bit more from him off the ball and defensively as well.
“But I can see him growing, growing, growing more and more and more and I think that is what you can expect from a quality player.”
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