Florian Wirtz was a surprise absentee from Liverpool’s starting XI in the Merseyside derby against Everton. The £116m summer signing was named on the bench, leading to debate over manager Arne Slot’s decision.
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WHY WAS WIRTZ DROPPED?
Wayne Rooney suggested that the decision was tactical. He argued that Slot showed respect to Everton by strengthening midfield and pushing Dominik Szoboszlai into the No.10 role.
“I think Arne Slot has showed a lot of respect to Everton with his lineup, leaving Wirtz out and having Szoboszlai almost in the ten and helping out in the midfield,” Rooney explained.
SLOT’S EXPLANATION
Slot pointed instead to fixture congestion. With Liverpool facing three matches in just seven days Burnley, Atletico Madrid, and Everton he said rotation was essential.
“For today I think Szoboszlai, who played both of those games as well, is more used to the intensity of the Premier League and this programme than Florian is coming from Germany,” Slot noted.
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WIRTZ’S EARLY STRUGGLES
The Germany international has struggled to adapt to the Premier League’s physicality. Ineffective against Arsenal and Newcastle, his adjustment period made it sensible for Slot to rest him in such a high-intensity clash.
OTHER TEAM NEWS
Slot also left out Alexander Isak, citing fitness after his midweek appearance. The striker played an hour in that match, and the manager suggested he may feature later in the derby.