Theo Walcott issues bold warning to Arne Slot about ‘problem player’ at Liverpool

Walcott gave his take on how Liverpool have looked so far this season.

He sees Wirtz as more of a bench option for this team right now, saying he has become the player causing issues for the side.

The former Arsenal winger also suggested another approach, saying he would prefer to see Hugo Ekitike play behind Alexander Isak instead of the German.

“Wirtz is on the bench for me when I look at his team. I know I’ve said, for me, that’s the problem player,” Walcott said.

“It’s not that I’m not having him. I do feel like, look, look, look, I know there’s going to be a lot of people on me here, but just hear me out for a minute.”

“I think at times when I’ve watched him play this year, he wants time on that ball and I get it. I think the physical side of things is really starting to show. Ekitike for me is that presence of an Henry.”

“He has something about him, he has a presence about him, it would be fascinating to see him behind Isak, dropping Wirtz deeper or maybe not even having Wirtz starting.”

Should Hugo Ekitike play as a second striker?

Walcott believes Arne Slot might benefit from playing Hugo Ekitike in a deeper role, just behind Alexander Isak.

While the idea makes sense on paper – Ekitike has the technical skills and could form a strong partnership with Isak – his track record in that position is limited.

Ekitike has not played many games as a second striker, and when he has, the results have not been impressive.

The sample size is small, but it’s worth noting that Wirtz has also only played seven games for Liverpool. It might be too soon to make a judgment call on either player’s suitability for the role just yet.

Liverpool might be better off giving the 22-year-old more time. The young midfielder clearly has talent, and it may just take him a bit longer to find his feet in this team.