Liverpool's season might feel like a never-ending rollercoaster of disappointment, but amidst the gloom, manager Arne Slot has spotted some shining lights. He's publicly backing three players who, despite the team's struggles, are showing real promise. But here's the kicker: Slot believes the team's overall poor performance is unfairly overshadowing their individual growth.
After Liverpool's frustrating 1-1 draw with Burnley – another two points dropped in their Premier League campaign – Slot didn't dwell on the negative. Instead, he used his post-match press conference to highlight the contributions of Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez, all relatively new additions to the squad.
"I think we all have a lot of frustration about the result," Slot admitted, echoing the sentiments of fans worldwide. "Sometimes it’s also a bit of a frustration for me that all the development some players are going through is not being seen because the results don’t show how the development of the team and individual players is." In essence, he's saying that the scoreboard doesn't always reflect the progress being made behind the scenes.
Slot specifically called out Kerkez, acknowledging his consistently strong performances. He also lauded Wirtz, who scored a "great goal" and was actively involved in numerous other key moments during the match. And this is the part most people miss: Slot sees the potential in these players beyond just individual moments of brilliance; he sees a trajectory of improvement.
Regarding Frimpong, Slot described him as a "big, big, big threat" on the right side of the pitch. He clearly values Frimpong's attacking prowess and ability to create opportunities.
Liverpool supporters are understandably searching for any positive takeaways from what has been a largely underwhelming defense of their Premier League title. The burgeoning form of Wirtz, Frimpong, and Kerkez certainly qualifies as one. Wirtz, in particular, has been on a hot streak, bagging four goals in his last six appearances. That's the kind of consistency you crave from a forward!
Frimpong and Kerkez, while initially struggling to find their footing in the first half of the season, have demonstrably improved in 2026. Frimpong, for example, showcased his newfound ruthlessness with a goal against Barnsley in the FA Cup, suggesting he's finally overcome his earlier injury woes and is reaching peak fitness.
Kerkez, meanwhile, has seemingly taken his game to another level. Remember that rock-solid performance against Arsenal, where he effectively neutralized the threat of Bukayo Saka? That's the kind of defensive solidity Liverpool desperately needs.
Before this recent surge in form, Hugo Ekitike was arguably the only summer signing who looked like a true success. Now, however, Wirtz, Frimpong, and Kerkez are finally starting to justify their price tags.
It's an important reminder that new players, especially younger ones, often require time to adapt to a new team, a new league, and a new culture. Wirtz and Kerkez are only 22, while Frimpong recently turned 25. Perhaps they were unfairly judged too soon. It takes time to gel, to understand your teammates, and to truly feel comfortable in a new environment. Think of it like learning a new language – you wouldn’t expect fluency overnight, would you?
But here's where it gets controversial... Some might argue that praising individual performances in a losing or drawing team is simply putting lipstick on a pig. Is Slot right to focus on the positives, or should he be demanding more from the team as a whole, regardless of individual displays?
What do you think? Are Wirtz, Frimpong, and Kerkez genuine bright spots in an otherwise bleak season? Or is it too early to sing their praises? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
