Arne Slot has publicly refuted Arsène Wenger's assertion that Florian Wirtz's deployment as a No. 10 has "destroyed Liverpool's midfield". The Dutch coach defended his tactical choices and the £116 million signing, expressing confidence that Wirtz will demonstrate his special talent regardless of his position for the reigning Premier League champions.
Wenger, a former Arsenal manager, ignited debate with his analysis of Liverpool's early-season form on beIN Sports. He argued that Slot initially altered Liverpool's midfield to accommodate Wirtz's preferred central attacking role, ultimately disrupting the team's established rhythm. Wenger highlighted that Wirtz, upon joining Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen, insisted on playing as a No. 10, allegedly leading Slot to remove Dominik Szoboszlai from the midfield to accommodate him. According to Wenger, this tactical shift negatively impacted the chemistry and balance of Liverpool's midfield, which previously consisted of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Szoboszlai.
Liverpool endured a challenging start to the season, experiencing a slump where they lost six out of seven games across all competitions. During this period, Wirtz's performances came under scrutiny, with some observers noting that he appeared to be a shadow of the player who had excelled at Bayer Leverkusen. Wenger suggested that Slot recognized the need for change, which led to Wirtz being deployed in a wider role.
In Liverpool's recent matches, including a Champions League victory against Real Madrid, Wirtz has been seen playing off the left flank. This tactical adjustment, according to Wenger, indicates that Slot has instructed Wirtz to adapt to playing out wide to avoid disrupting the midfield. Wenger noted that in the match against Aston Villa, Liverpool reverted to their "normal midfield of last year".
Slot, however, has downplayed any notion of tactical upheaval or disharmony. He insisted that Wirtz needs time to adapt to his new teammates and the demands of the Premier League. Slot's remarks suggest a belief in Wirtz's ability to adapt and contribute effectively from various positions.
Despite not yet scoring or providing an assist in the Premier League, Wirtz impressed in the Champions League match against Real Madrid while playing on the left wing. This performance hints at his potential to thrive in a wider role, reminiscent of his time at Bayer Leverkusen.
As Liverpool prepares for their upcoming clash against Manchester City, Wirtz's positioning and role within the team remain a focal point of discussion. Slot's continued faith in the young German international suggests that he views Wirtz as an integral part of Liverpool's long-term plans, regardless of where he plays on the pitch.
