“Wirtz Replaces Trent’s Creativity” – Hendrick on Liverpool’s Tactical Refresh Under Slot | OneFootball

Frimpong and Wirtz: Liverpool’s Transfer Vision Under Slot Unpacked

Frimpong’s Fit: Defence or Attack?

In the latest episode of AEyeScouted on Anfield Index Pro, Dave Hendrick and Karl Matchett offered revealing insights into Liverpool’s transfer strategy under Arne Slot, with Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz the headline names.

Matchett pointedly addressed the tactical fit for Frimpong: “To me, it makes sense… we would sign him as a right back.” He praised the Bayer Leverkusen man’s aggressive style and overlap tendencies that align with Connor Bradley’s: “It stands to reason that the alternative to Connor Bradley also does the same thing.”

Hendrick, however, wasn’t entirely sold on the idea of Frimpong as a conventional right back. “He’s a glorified winger who plays as a wing-back for Leverkusen. He played as a fullback for Celtic and it was comedic watching him defend at times.” Still, he acknowledged Frimpong’s value going forward: “He’s incredibly explosive. He’s a good decision maker, which I really like.”

There’s a broader view at play here—Liverpool could be seeking balance and future-proofing. “Frimpong could be first choice now while Bradley becomes a first team player later,” Matchett reasoned. And the release clause “is pretty attractive to be fair.”

Wirtz Talks: Not Just Smoke and Mirrors

The hosts confirmed that Liverpool met Florian Wirtz and his father—a strong signal of serious intent. Hendrick laid it out bluntly: “That’s somewhere near decision point to me.” He believes the deal “would be an incredible addition” and one that fits Arne Slot’s tactical preferences: “Florian Wirtz is someone I could see fitting perfectly in that left-sided role if that’s what Arne wants.”

Bayern Munich may still loom, but the podcast cast doubt on their financial readiness: “The underlying theme of their confidence is that they cannot afford the asking price.” Liverpool, by contrast, “would be willing to pay the asking price, which is a bit more than we offered for Caicedo.”

Wirtz, said Hendrick, “replaces the creativity you’re losing with Trent’s departure,” and could dovetail effectively with Dominik Szoboszlai and Mo Salah.

Photo: IMAGO

Wharton’s Role in Palace’s Cup Push

The podcast also touched on the FA Cup final, noting Adam Wharton’s return for Crystal Palace as “absolutely massive.” Hendrick hoped Palace could trouble Manchester City, stating: “We saw what they were able to do in the first 20 minutes at the Etihad… they should have been 3-0 up.” Wharton’s inclusion was noted as pivotal to any upset.

Liverpool’s Future: Ruthless and Pragmatic

The contributors were also candid about Liverpool’s wider squad plans. Hendrick was particularly pragmatic on outgoing players: “I think Darwin is definitely going… I think Diaz would go, which is the right move.”

Frimpong and Wirtz’s potential arrivals could reshape the Reds’ entire attacking and creative structure. Hendrick highlighted the ambition: “It’s an awful lot of money, but the idea of it is certainly very, very appealing.”

Slot’s Liverpool is no longer a team in transition—it’s one refining its identity with surgical precision. Whether or not these transfers materialise, AEyeScouted offered fans a rare window into the strategic thinking behind the curtain.