Why Liverpool Haven't Yet Found the Optimal from Wirtz Yet

Assessment of the German midfielder's initial nine games for the Merseyside club has typically reached the same conclusion - it has been an disappointing start.

Some have been more critical. Ex- England striker Wayne Rooney said the £116m signing "damages the equilibrium" of the team's structure.

"He's a top player and I'm confident he will get better - but he's had a slow start and I think there's no question about that," commented the former striker.

Wirtz is yet to score or provide an assist for his new club, but does that paint the complete story?

In this analysis we examine how effective he has performed, why he hasn't been delivering as anticipated so far, and how Liverpool could get the maximum out of him.

Liverpool's equilibrium is off, but they are clearly experiencing a phase of transition.

Manager the Dutch tactician has altered his approach this season - and perhaps the loss of defender the England international created greater challenges than anticipated.

In a similar approach to Slot's previous club team, the Premier League side are looking to operate with a increased frequency of positional switches between teammates, advancing through the middle of the pitch with rapid, small-space interplay.

It therefore makes sense for the attacking midfielder to be the central creative hub to connect all elements together.

However, in reality, he has been tasked to do a role that is somewhat altered from one he is familiar with.

And that has minimised how frequently he positions himself in situations to score or create chances.

It doesn't get the maximum potential out of Wirtz as an individual, but he hasn't been poorly in this sub-optimal role.

The midfielder is getting the possession further back more often.

Alexander-Arnold was impressive in his capability to distribute the play when operating deep, and the team seem sorely missing that quality.

Captain the Dutch defender's diagonal passes to forward Mohamed Salah is a effective way for them to move the ball forward reliably. Alternatively, the squad lack the passing quality in defence to find team-mates in advanced positions.

This duty has been placed on Wirtz at times. He has been retreating deeper to get the ball before turning and trying to drive it forward. He is capable to perform this role because of his skill level, but it is limiting the opportunities he operates close to the opposing goal.

If possession responsibilities can be shouldered by another player, it possibly enables the attacker to position himself more advanced the field.

Curtis Jones has the capability to do this in a central midfield partnership or on the left flank, and could represent an option the manager could turn to as he aims to enhance the German's natural game.

Among the most significant differences the player is experiencing in the English top flight is the limited space and heightened pressure applied to him.

Positioned centrally between the defensive units against extremely organized defensive sides such as Crystal Palace, the German has been positioned with less time and room to operate.

During his time at his former club, there were matches in which Wirtz would stand on the left wing while his colleagues progressed the ball up the pitch before passing to him.

Alternatively, he would operate in middle attacking midfield positions, particularly against sides that offered more space between the defensive units in matches that became more transitional in style.

Ex- Leverkusen boss the Spanish manager profiled the talent effectively because each of these situations would allow him to get the ball with space - meaning he could collect and carry forward with distance between himself and a opponent.

To get the best out of the player, getting the possession to him when there isn't instant pressure on him is ideal.

When he is capable to receive the play on the turn and drive it forward - with distance between himself and the closest player - he is able to use body feints and a variation in pace to disrupt rival defensive structures.

In a similar manner to the Merseyside club forward the England international, his finest performances both on the dribble and in his passing comes from situations in which he is driving with the ball and running at players.

That is why several of Wirtz's most impressive moments this campaign have come in transitions.

Space can be created by positioning him on the left flank initially or by finding him in the center early. If he is positioned between the defensive units, particularly when an rival team's defensive shape is spread, colleagues must therefore play direct passes to find the midfielder.

The Premier League's intensity has strategic implications but also affects footballers individually - and Wirtz appears to have still not completely adjusted to this change.

With Slot's faster and more rotation-based style of attack, the team are vulnerable to fast breaks, with reduced bodies behind the ball. This requires forward players like the midfielder to counter-press with energy when the possession is lost.

Wirtz has fully committed to the out-of-possession directives and has harassed intensely. Offensively, he is being instructed to retreat to help in constructing play while maintaining the freedom to contribute to offensive moves on each of the left side and right.

All of this is demanding on fitness, and some of his poor on-the-ball decisions could be attributed to tiredness. Of all footballers to play significant game time in the Premier League this season, the midfielder has run the fifth most distance per 90 minutes and the most of all Liverpool teammate.

In a recent interview with Sky Sports Germany, the player spoke about the contrast in his displays this campaign versus last.

He said the manager had expressed a view "it could be because we harass a lot and I cover ground a lot".

The midfielder added: "For example, the distance covered statistics: I am always at the top in that category because I attempt to push hard and do what the coach asks. I require a lot of strength and energy for that. Whenever I have the ball, I might be lacking a small amount. The expectation it will gradually develop progressively, as I gain more experience, get fitter, be able to do things more effortlessly, and then, whenever I have the play, be {fit|conditioned