The Premier League action continues with a highly anticipated match between Everton and Liverpool. Updates will be provided throughout the 2pm BST kick-off.
Florian Wirtz has been given another opportunity to make his mark. While he is supported by more defensively oriented teammates who offer some stability, questions remain about his necessary speed of thought and play, as well as his combativeness, to truly influence the game. His challenge is compounded by the fact that he has replaced two full-backs who were stronger in attack than defence, with the current pairing also favouring attacking contributions over defensive solidity.
This lack of a cohesive defensive unit has led to a prioritization of stability and experience in the lineup, with new signings excluded. Consequently, Dominic Szoboszlai is once again deployed in a deeper role, meaning Liverpool will be without their most impactful midfielder in the central area. The strategy might involve him inverting his position, but otherwise, manager Slot will be relying on the ball-carrying ability and tenacity of Curtis Jones to compensate.
Everton v Liverpool: Premier League – live
Live Premier League updates from the 2pm BST kick-off.
Live scores | Latest tables | Clockwatch
English Translation:
Premier League updates from the 2pm BST kick-off.
Live scores | Latest tables | Clockwatch | Email Daniel
Otherwise, Florian Wirtz is again given a chance to assert and establish – the numbers and profiles behind him, more defensively minded, offer him yet some ballast, but does he have the necessary speed of thought and play, along with the required combativeness, to make a difference? The problem he has is that he replaced two full-backs who were better in attack than defence, with… two full-backs who are better in attack than defence. Essentially, he doesn’t have a combination that works, so has prioritised solidity and experience here, the new lads excluded. That means Dominic Szoboszlai again plays at the back, which means Liverpool must do without their best midfielder in the centre of the pitch; I guess the plan might be for him to invert, but otherwise Slot will hope that the ball-carrying and tenacity of Curtis Jones compensate.
