Ex-Liverpool star compares Florian Wirtz to Anfield hero

Four games, four wins and 12 points for Liverpool. The Reds haven’t looked convincing in those games, but have managed to take maximum points thanks to late goals and championship experience.

Arne Slot is fielding a lot of new faces in the squad, and one could say that it is taking them time to click and adapt to the pace of the game. Chief among them is Florian Wirtz, who has come under criticism for not being able to impose himself in proceedings.

Ex-Liverpool and England striker Emile Heskey, however, has backed Wirtz to deliver. He also commented on Dominik Szoboszlai's adaptability and Liverpool’s balance when compared to other contenders.

Wirtz reminds me of Coutinho, and he’ll deliver

We’re only four games in and fans have already started labelling Florian Wirtz a flop, but Heskey believes he should be given more time as the Premier League is more demanding than any other competition.

“We’ve got to give Wirtz time. The Premier League is like no other. I’ve seen players come from so many leagues where they’re the best and then they struggle. You’ve got to give players time.”

Heskey continues saying that Wirtz reminds him of another Liverpool great, Philippe Coutinho. The key for the German is to get used to the pace and the ferocity of the Premier League, and eventually, he’ll come good.

”I’ve watched a lot of Wirtz and he reminds me of Coutinho who finds great pockets. Wirtz just needs to get up to pace with the ferocity of the league.”

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I think Liverpool’s midfield is fine despite Elliott’s departure

With Harvey Elliott loaned out to Aston Villa, fans and analysts fear that Liverpool might be light in midfield. Heskey doesn’t agree with that as he points to the likes of Curtis Jones and youth players Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni who can step up.

“I think Liverpool will be fine in midfield without Elliott. They’ve got Curtis Jones so I think it’s fine. Elliott is a great player. It’s interesting because he’s won back to back European Championships at U21 level. In any other country he’d be a mainstay at a top club. It’s difficult in England to find room for some of our top English players.”

“Elliott will go on to do great things but I’d have loved for it to have been at Liverpool. When you’re in the best league in the world, you’re going to have the best players which makes it harder for young players to stake a claim.”

“The top ones will always get in but the ones who are borderline probably won’t but they need game time to get to the top level. Liverpool have got Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni. So one or two will trickle through but they have to be the elite of the elite.”

“In France, Belgium, Austria or Germany, all their kids are coming through.”

Szoboszlai at right-back could affect Frimpong’s status

New signing Jeremie Frimpong has struggled with fitness, which led to Arne Slot using Dominik Szoboszlai as a right-back. Heskey has found that interesting, as he can see the tactical thought behind that move, comparing the Hungarian to Trent Alexander-Arnold.

“With Szoboszlai at right back Liverpool are doing that new role of right back rolling into midfield. We saw it with Trent, who has that Gerrard and David Beckham kind of passing. I think that Szoboszlai has that kind of passing too and it’s interesting because he was more of an 8 or a 10 when he arrived. With his midfield hat on and his ability to get up and down the pitch means that role suits him well.

That being said, Heskey feels that will require Frimpong to up his game and be more disciplined if he wants to be a regular starter for Liverpool.

“Frimpong is an interesting one because I saw him as a kid and he was a winger. Now he’s adapting to being a right back but his main focus is getting forward, overlapping, taking on a full back or crossing the ball. His main focus doesn’t tend to be making sure the shape is right or that he’s tucked in enough. It’s not his first thought.”

Liverpool have a more balanced squad than Arsenal or Man City

The former England striker also commented on the squads of the Premier League’s top contenders, stating that he thinks Liverpool have the most balanced team.

Arsenal have been praised for their depth, which was evident in the win against Nottingham Forest, but Heskey questions if they have the players who can deliver in crunch moments.

“I think Liverpool has the most balanced squad out of the title rivals. When you’re talking balance and being together for a while alongside new players gelling quickly I think Liverpool. Arsenal have a really good squad but have they got the players who know how to get it over the line.”

“Go back to United and Fergie’s last team. That was a poor team but they knew how to get it done. They knew what it took mentally to win the league. I think that’s what Liverpool have over Arsenal. But you can’t count City out because they know what it takes to win the league.”

He also added that Liverpool’s mentality will be tested in their Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid this week.

"When you talk about a fight, the game against Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid, that's one where you'll be in a tough one. I think Liverpool will be ready for it."

Read more as Emile Heskey offers some advice to Liverpool manager Arne Slot regarding their forward dilemma