Liverpool's Record-Breaking Wirtz Signing: Where Will the German Star Shine Under Slot's System?
Following a somewhat anxious period waiting for the transfer to be finalized, Liverpool fans can now rejoice over their newest signing: Florian Wirtz.
The Premier League title holders have secured one of football's most promising young stars for their championship-winning roster, and there's justified enthusiasm about bringing in the £100 million ($134.2 million) German midfielder.
While the 22-year-old might need some time to adapt to his new surroundings at such a young age, his exceptional ability cannot be disputed, giving Arne Slot the pleasant task of incorporating an outstanding playmaker into his system.
So where exactly will Wirtz feature in Liverpool's formation?
Where Does Florian Wirtz Excel Most?
Wirtz's optimal position is crystal clear. He has consistently operated as an attacking midfielder since his emergence at Bayer Leverkusen, functioning either solo or alongside another player in the number 10 role throughout most of his developing career.
In recent times, Wirtz has been deployed as the left attacking midfielder within a 3-4-2-1 system at the BayArena, appearing in this role for 68% of his Bundesliga appearances from the start of 2023–24, according to The Athletic. This is also his most frequent position when representing Germany internationally.
Nevertheless, Wirtz possesses the versatility common among contemporary players when it comes to positioning. His technical abilities work effectively across various attacking positions, having been used on the left flank and as a false nine before, though these aren't his favored roles.
Wirtz naturally gravitates toward the left side of the field, enabling him to drift inward and create opportunities with his stronger right foot. However, he's far from a traditional winger and is unlikely to be regularly positioned wide at Anfield.
How Might Florian Wirtz Integrate at Liverpool?
Luckily, Wirtz has a clear pathway into Liverpool's first team. Since Slot took charge at Anfield last summer, the Reds have employed a 4-2-3-1 setup, with Dominik Szoboszlai typically filling the attacking midfielder role—though his work rate and defensive contributions often see him retreat deeper when necessary.
Wirtz represents a completely different type of player compared to the Hungarian and is much more attack-focused, finding pockets of space between the opponent's backline and midfield near the penalty box. He's more nimble and superior at carrying the ball forward, making him capable of breaking down even the most disciplined defensive units.
The ex-Leverkusen talent should slot directly into Liverpool's starting eleven, presumably replacing Szoboszlai in the number 10 position. Such a massive investment isn't made for a substitute player, and his new midfield teammates will be wondering how his arrival affects their playing opportunities next season.
Szoboszlai, Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones will all be anxious about their futures and must demonstrate their value to Slot once more. Players like Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo and Luis Díaz aren't necessarily secure either, considering Wirtz's adaptability.