Arsene Wenger has revealed a potentially crucial conversation between Arne Slot and Florian Wirtz, shedding light on the German international’s challenging start at Liverpool. The dynamic midfielder, once a beacon of promise at Bayer Leverkusen, hasn’t yet replicated his stellar form since arriving at Anfield.
Liverpool endured a turbulent period earlier in the season, a stark contrast to their usual dominance, suffering six losses in seven matches across all competitions. While recent victories against Aston Villa and Real Madrid offer a glimmer of hope, Wirtz’s impact remains a point of contention.
Wenger asserts that Wirtz made a specific demand upon joining Liverpool: a guaranteed central role as a number ten. He reportedly told the club he would only sign if he was deployed in that position, a condition Liverpool initially appeared to accept.
However, integrating Wirtz centrally proved disruptive. Wenger believes it fundamentally undermined Liverpool’s midfield balance, forcing the removal of Dominik Szoboszlai from the starting eleven. The attempted shift, he argues, “destroyed” the previously effective trio of Gravenberch, Mac Allister, and Szoboszlai.
The consequences were immediate. Liverpool reverted to their established midfield configuration against Aston Villa, signaling a recognition of the previous imbalance. This tactical adjustment ultimately proved successful in securing a vital win.
Wenger suggests that Slot has now communicated a difficult truth to Wirtz: continued starts depend on a positional shift. The manager, according to Wenger, has indicated Wirtz must accept a role on the wing if he wishes to remain in the team.
This potential change represents a significant compromise for Wirtz, who clearly favored a central playmaking role. It echoes his time at Leverkusen, where he thrived playing from a wider position, and raises questions about how effectively he can adapt to Slot’s vision.
The situation presents a fascinating dilemma for Liverpool. Balancing Wirtz’s preferences with the team’s overall tactical needs will be crucial to unlocking his full potential and reigniting their season.
