West Ham 0-2 Liverpool
The former Liverpool assistant manager was highly impressed by Florian Wirtz in the 2-0 win over West Ham United.
Sammy Lee hailed the performance of Florian Wirtz in Liverpool’s victory over West Ham United and declared: He reminded me of Roberto Firmino.
Certainly, Liverpool will be hoping that Wirtz can put a consistent run of form together. And given that Firmino is regarded as one of the Reds’ best players in the modern era - helping the club win six major trophies, including the Premier League and Champions League - Lee paid Wirtz a huge compliment.
What’s been said
Speaking on the Official Liverpool FC Podcast, former Reds midfielder and assistant manager Lee said: “Terrific from minute one. I thought he was excellent. Dare I say it, he reminded me of Firmino. He was like the glue in between the midfield and attack. He got into some fantasic little spaces in between the lines, very difficult for the opposition to pick him up.
“His little touches around the corner, his little one-twos were very cute, very clever passing and I thought his influence was excellent. Again, when they talk about recruitment, that for me is a big moment because you can see the player. We have all seen the touches but when you see it come into that and have such an effect on a Premier League game, it was fantastic.”
‘Has to play No.10’
Wirtz has operated on the left wing for Liverpool since his arrival, as well as the right-hand side. However, Neil Mellor is adamant that the 22-year-old’s best position is in the hole behind the striker. That is a role that Dominik Szoboszlai, moved to the right flank at West Ham, has thrived in this season - and it could be a bit of a quandary for Slot.
Ex-Liverpool striker Mellor said: “That is his position. He is a 10. He can play off the left and the right but he is a 10. You mentioned Bobby Firmino in those sort of pockets of space, how many times in the game - and West Ham have been working to be solid and stop the space - he finds space.
“That is what Wirtz is. The manager has got a problem because Szoboszlai has been brilliant playing higher up. Wirtz as a 10 is a world-class player so how do you fit him, Szoboszlai, Mac and Gravenberch? I don't know but he was brilliant as a 10.”
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