Arsene Wenger criticized Liverpool sharply after the club decided to use Florian Wirtz as a No.10 thus ‘destroying’ the midfield balance of the club. The £116 million summer signing from Bayer Leverkusen has struggled to justify his record-breaking price tag, failing to score or assist in ten Premier League games.
Wirtz’s Role Sparks Tactical Confusion
Wenger disclosed that Wirtz was only allowed to transfer to Liverpool after being assured a central attacking role. Still, the Frenchman thinks that this pledge frustrated Liverpool’s efficient midfield trio of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai.
The former Arsenal manager told beIN SPORTS that the displacement of Szoboszlai from his natural position “disturbed the whole framework,” consequently, the manager Arne Slot had to use the system of last season against Aston Villa once again. He emphasized that the change not only disrupted rhythm but also limited Liverpool’s pressing intensity and creativity.
Changing and Consistent Challenges
Szoboszlai shifted to right-back, and Slot deployed Wirtz out wide when Liverpool defeated Real Madrid. The Reds may have made it two wins on the trot for the first time since September, but the question of how Slot can supply both the creative and the stable aspect in the team still remains. Due to the absence of Alexander Isak and the good form of Hugo Ekitike, the Liverpool attacking lineup has become even more difficult to choose.
Author’s Opinion
One of the points in Wenger’s argument is an indication of the possible pitfalls of tactical compromises in modern-day football. In trying to meet Wirtz’s demand for the position he wanted, Liverpool lost the coordination in their midfield. If Slot is to bring about equilibrium again, he needs to be system harmony rather than star preference—if not, Liverpool are likely to turn a daring rebuild into another costly experiment.
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