Florian Wirtz’s upturn in form at Liverpool has been driven by increasing familiarity with his teammates rather than any sudden tactical shift, according to head coach Arne Slot, who believes patience has been central to the German’s adaptation to the Premier League.
The £100 million signing from Bayer Leverkusen endured a challenging introduction to English football, failing to register a goal or assist in his opening weeks at Anfield. His breakthrough finally arrived on December 20, when he provided the assist for Alexander Isak in Liverpool’s 2–1 victory over Tottenham, before scoring his first league goal a week later.
Since then, the 22-year-old has found his rhythm. Wirtz enters Sunday’s home clash with Manchester City having scored six goals in his last 10 appearances, emerging as an increasingly influential figure in the reigning champions’ attack.
Slot emphasised that the improvement is largely the product of trust and continuity. Despite early physical challenges and external criticism, the Liverpool manager resisted the temptation to rotate Wirtz out of the starting line-up.
“First and foremost, it’s always credit to the player,” Slot said. “He has to put the work in, not only on the pitch but also in the gym. Even if a player is struggling physically at the start, you sometimes need to keep playing him — that’s the only way improvement comes.”
That faith, Slot believes, has helped Wirtz develop a stronger understanding with those around him.
“Maybe now he has a better connection with his teammates because he has played more and more with them,” he added. “That familiarity is important, but for me the biggest improvement has been off the ball.”
Slot underlined that this aspect is critical to succeeding in England’s top flight.
“The Premier League demands both,” he said. “It’s not just about what you do in possession — it’s definitely about what you do without the ball as well.”
City Test Offers Measure of Progress
Liverpool’s meeting with Manchester City has often been a defining fixture in the title race, but the context is different this time. With Arsenal holding a commanding lead, City remain the only realistic challengers, while Liverpool sit 14 points off the pace.
Even so, Slot views Sunday’s match as a valuable benchmark rather than a simple points exercise.
“It’s another moment to see where we are in the development of this team,” he said, following last weekend’s 4–1 victory over Newcastle at Anfield. “At this stage of the season, every result matters more and more.”
Slot was also quick to highlight City’s enduring strength, pointing to their recent win over Newcastle — achieved despite heavy rotation — as evidence of their depth and consistency.
“That tells you what a force City still is and always will be,” he concluded.
For Wirtz, the occasion offers another opportunity to underline his growing influence — and to show that patience, both from player and manager, is beginning to pay off.
