Gary Lineker backed Arne Slot's choice to omit one "exceptionally talented" Liverpool player from the starting XI on Saturday night. Most of the Reds’ key players returned after missing the Carabao Cup defeat to Crystal Palace the previous week.
The head coach's lineup decisions were justified as Liverpool secured their first Premier League points since September with a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa.
Florian Wirtz was brought on as the only substitution, replacing Hugo Ekitike in the 77th minute. Slot made just this one change, mindful of Liverpool’s upcoming match against Real Madrid in 72 hours.
“It’d be good for Wirtz to come back into the team when there’s confidence in the squad. I think that would be sensible man management at the moment, take him out of the firing line a little bit, and then bring him on. I mean, Wirtz is a really good player, and you don’t buy these players for the first three months. He’s an exceptionally talented young player."
Lineker praises Wirtz’s talent but agrees with Slot's cautious approach, emphasizing patience until Liverpool regain consistent form.
Author's summary: Gary Lineker commends Arne Slot's careful management of Liverpool's talented Florian Wirtz, supporting his exclusion from the starting lineup until the team finds form.