Liverpool 2.0: Promising Start with Room for Improvement
Arne Slot's Liverpool 2.0 made a striking debut at Wembley on Sunday, garnering mixed reviews. The team showcased moments of brilliance but also highlighted areas requiring improvement.
Four of Liverpool's summer signings made their competitive debuts in the Community Shield, where they fell to Crystal Palace in a penalty shootout.
The record £116 million signing, Florian Wirtz, took his place in attacking midfield, while Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez formed a revamped full-back duo. Hugo Ekitike led the attack as the central striker, with goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili the only new signing on the bench, as Alisson retained his starting position.
Despite the loss, there were promising signs that the team's overhaul could yield exciting results. The match ended 2-2, with Ekitike and Frimpong scoring for Liverpool. This marked the first time since August 2006 that two players scored on their competitive debuts for the club, following Craig Bellamy and Mark Gonzalez's goals against Maccabi Haifa.
However, Liverpool 2.0 still has its challenges. They lost leads twice during the match, displayed defensive frailties, and were under pressure in the closing moments.
Slot acknowledged the need for adaptation, stating, "We have four new players - we need time to adapt," during his post-match press conference at Wembley.
The issues observed in the Community Shield were not isolated; Liverpool conceded twice from set-pieces in a 3-2 friendly win against Athletic Bilbao the following day.
Crystal Palace capitalized on limited opportunities, converting both of their significant chances—Jean-Philippe Mateta's 13th-minute penalty and Ismaila Sarr's late goal.
As Slot succinctly put it, "We don’t concede chances, but we concede goals."
New Full-Backs, New Style of Play?
Defensively, Liverpool's recent approach has shifted under Slot. Historically, full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson provided attacking impetus, and new signings Frimpong and Kerkez are expected to do the same.
While Kerkez mirrors Robertson's playing style, Frimpong tends to stay wider, offering less central involvement but more traditional overlapping runs. This attacking mindset directly led to Liverpool's second goal, as Frimpong skillfully maneuvered into the area to chip Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
Nonetheless, defensive issues persist. Liverpool hoped Frimpong would provide the solidity often missing with Alexander-Arnold, but he inadvertently played Sarr onside for Palace's second equalizer. Additionally, there was a lack of recognized center-backs on the bench, with Jarell Quansah having left for Bayer Leverkusen and Joe Gomez sidelined due to injury.
Slot anticipates Gomez's return but acknowledges the need to sign another central defender before the transfer deadline on September 1. The player of interest is Marc Guehi, who captained Palace at Wembley and is rumored to be on the move as he enters the final year of his contract.
Is 'Dominant' Wirtz the Missing Piece?
In midfield, Wirtz stood out as Liverpool's best player at Wembley. Slot has adapted the team's system to suit their record signing, and early indications are promising. Wirtz has been given greater freedom and a more advanced role compared to previous seasons, forming a near-strike partnership with Ekitike.
Wirtz's influence was evident as he assisted Ekitike's opening goal, contributing to a move that involved 22 passes and nine players over 66 seconds. Until his substitution in the 84th minute, Wirtz was a commanding presence, leading Liverpool in key metrics such as passes, entries into the final third, and touches in the Palace box.
Former Palace striker Glenn Murray praised Wirtz's performance, noting, "It has been a really impressive performance for Wirtz. Very dominant." However, he also highlighted that Wirtz needs to adjust to the physical demands of the Premier League.
This raises questions about Mohamed Salah's role, as the Egyptian has gone eight Wembley appearances without a goal, including a missed penalty during the shootout.
How Much of a Difference Did Ekitike Make?
Playing in front of Wirtz, Ekitike has the potential to become the out-and-out center forward Liverpool has lacked due to Darwin Nunez's inconsistencies. His goal was well-executed, and he displayed skill with a cross that found Cody Gakpo, albeit in an offside position.
However, it is worth noting Nunez's debut also occurred in the Community Shield, where he initially impressed but struggled to maintain that form. Ekitike mirrored this with missed opportunities, including a header from close range and a shot blazed over from 12 yards—conversions of either could have secured a Liverpool victory.
Slot commented on Ekitike's performance, noting, "Ekitike had a good impact, but he came two weeks ago during the Asia tour. But he had a good game for sure."
As the transfer window approaches its final weeks, speculation surrounds potential signings, particularly Newcastle's Alexander Isak. Despite the recent performance, the need for additional attacking options remains clear, as emphasized by former Reds goalkeeper Chris Kirkland.
"Liverpool want another striker; we’re all greedy. Every team wants as many strikers as they can. Liverpool want Isak, they have bid for him, and he wants to go. Normally, when that is the case, a deal gets done. I’d want a center-back and a forward because we are all greedy in this world!"
A Long Way to Go for Liverpool Fans...
Despite the promising signs from Liverpool 2.0, there are evident weaknesses that need addressing as the season progresses.