Philipp Lahm offers exciting view on why Florian Wirtz could thrive in Arne Slot's Liverpool system

Liverpool fans became used to seeing a slightly different style of play during their Premier League title winning season.

Having watched the ‘heavy metal football’ of Jurgen Klopp’s team for almost nine years, it did take a little while for supporters to get on board with something else.

But the proof is in the pudding, and although Arne Slot and his more patient style of play was not initially everyone’s cup of tea, winning trophies has a way of changing minds.

Slot himself has been at pains to point out the similarities he and the former Liverpool manager share in terms of playing style, and Klopp’s blueprint has not been totally ripped up. But, as Slot begins to shape the Liverpool squad with his own signings, things may change even further.

The clearest hint yet of what the Dutchman would like to implement is his targeting of attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz as a blockbuster signing this summer.

And as Liverpool continue to negotiate over Wirtz, German World Cup-winning captain Philipp Lahm has explained why the 22-year-old is ‘ideal’ for the Reds.

Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

Philipp Lahm shares Florian Wirtz vision

Liverpool fans are starting to get slightly tetchy as their negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen drag on. But, as of Friday morning, the expectation is still that Wirtz will end up as a Liverpool player.

And according to Lahm, that is good news for the German international. Writing in The Athletic, the former full-back explains how this could work.

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Comparing Wirtz to German national team colleague Jamal Musiala, Lahm says the Leverkusen man’s more direct style of play could be perfect in Slot’s Liverpool system.

“In contrast [to Musiala], Wirtz doesn’t just want to be involved in the attacking play, he wants to be the decisive part of it,” he says. “He is more straightforward and clear-minded. He waits, he picks his moments, and can alter the speed of a game with one touch or pass.”

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“That’s why he seems ideal for Liverpool. The system of play there has pace, vertical direction and a clear allocation of roles within the team that should suit him really well.”

“I’m enjoying watching both players’ development because neither Musiala nor Wirtz is complete yet,” adds Lahm.

“But they can become complete if they are given the structure in which their exceptional talent can flourish.”

Liverpool told to keep calm over Wirtz deal

Although some are becoming frustrated at the lack of progress over the mammoth deal for Wirtz, there have been nothing but positive noises coming out in the press.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has retained confidence throughout that there will not be any problems and speaking to DAZN on Thursday, Romano once again reiterated his expectation that things will go through smoothly.

“I’ll give a word to all Liverpool fans who are waiting for updates on Florian Wirtz and the word is ‘keep calm.’ This deal is advancing,” said the transfer expert.

“I know Liverpool fans have been waiting for two weeks for the ‘here we go’ on Wirtz. But sometimes it’s easy for us to say they are negotiating the add-ons, but it’s a club record, it’s an important deal, and they are mainly negotiating on 20-30 million Euros add-ons. Easy add-ons, difficult add-ons, based on appearances, winning the Premier League, winning the Champions League.

“My clear feeling and the feeling of all sources close to the deal is that it will happen,” Romano adds. “Wirtz is just waiting, he has an agreement with Liverpool. It’s similar with Milos Kerkez.”

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