Liverpool manager Arne Slot has set a huge challenge for new signing Florian Wirtz, and it involves names like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Mo Salah.
The Reds boss wasn’t talking about skills or tricks. Instead, he focused on something more simple but very rare, always being fit and available.
Slot believes that this is the main reason the three football legends are so highly respected.
Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth on Friday night, Slot said:
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“Everything we expect is very positive, but between expecting and realising something is different. Why are Messi, Ronaldo, and Mo so highly regarded? Because they are always fit. Every single game, they are fit. Florian first has to show that in a league like ours.”
For Slot, it’s clear: availability is greatness. If Wirtz can stay fit, Liverpool fans could see many magical moments.
The 22-year-old German midfielder arrived from Bayer Leverkusen this summer for £116 million. It’s a huge fee, but Slot says Wirtz already has the experience and mentality to handle the pressure.
“He might be young, but he has already won a lot,” Slot explained. “He won the league and the cup in Germany, has played for his country many times, and his mentality is his biggest strength. He doesn’t get distracted by transfer fees or anything else.”
Liverpool have gone through a summer of big changes: more than £300 million spent and nearly £200 million earned from player sales.
One big change for Salah will be the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Egyptian superstar played alongside Trent in 70% of his Liverpool matches, scoring 245 goals and counting.
This season, Salah will have Jeremie Frimpong behind him, and later Conor Bradley when he’s fit.
Salah looked a little isolated in the penalty shootout loss to Crystal Palace last week, but Slot isn’t worried.
“Even players like Mo can have a game where they maybe don’t play how we expect. But it hardly ever happens, nine times out of ten, he’s the best version of himself,” Slot said.
Slot also pointed out that Palace’s low defensive block and direct counter-attacks made things difficult. That’s part of the reason why he’s been reshaping the squad’s style this summer.
For Liverpool fans, Wirtz is the signing everyone is talking about. His creativity in the Bundesliga was unmatched, and now Anfield will get to see it in the Premier League.
Still, the big transfer fee means expectations are high. But Slot insists pressure will not be a problem for the young star.
“When you see him play, you’re like: ‘Wow, he’s so creative.’ But behind that, he is incredibly strong mentally. That combination is rare,” Slot added.
Friday night’s debut will be the first competitive test for Wirtz in England. If he delivers, he could quickly become a fan favourite, and maybe even start following in the footsteps of Salah, Ronaldo, and Messi.
The message from Slot is clear: Talent is nothing without consistency.
Liverpool fans are now waiting to see if Wirtz can take up the challenge, stay fit, stay sharp, and make history.
