Liverpool's Tactical Revolution: How Florian Wirtz Could Transform Their Formation

Marquee acquisitions rarely surpass the magnitude of Florian Wirtz's arrival, as he completes a remarkable transfer to Liverpool for what could become a British record fee.

After his meteoric rise to prominence at Bayer Leverkusen, it was only a matter of time before the 22-year-old would secure a move to one of Europe's top clubs. Despite strong pursuit from Manchester City and Bayern Munich, Liverpool have emerged victorious in securing his highly sought-after services.

Arne Slot will have dedicated considerable time to strategizing Wirtz's seamless incorporation into the squad, and the exceptionally talented German represents a remarkable enhancement to a championship-winning team. Accommodating him within the formation should prove relatively uncomplicated, particularly considering the midfielder's adaptable nature.

Here are three tactical approaches Liverpool could employ with Wirtz in the lineup.

Attacking Midfielder

The attacking midfield position represents Wirtz's most natural habitat. This is where he has flourished at Leverkusen, functioning either as a lone playmaker or, more recently, partnering with another creative midfielder in Xabi Alonso's 3-4-2-1 setup. In the latter configuration, he has operated on the left side of an attacking trio.

Slot seems unlikely to abandon the 4-2-3-1 structure that delivered such remarkable results for Liverpool last campaign, suggesting Wirtz will predominantly operate behind the main striker in a traditional playmaking role. This position has been primarily occupied by Dominik Szoboszlai since Slot's tenure began, though Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones have also featured there.

Nevertheless, Wirtz will undoubtedly command an immediate starting berth, requiring one of the previously mentioned players to either step aside or relocate—both Szoboszlai and Jones possess the capability to function in deeper roles.

Should Wirtz assume the No.10 responsibility, Liverpool's tactical framework would require minimal adjustment. Mohamed Salah and Luis Díaz would provide width alongside the German international, with either Diogo Jota or a newly acquired striker spearheading the attack. Defensive midfield duties would fall to Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister.

Potential Liverpool formation (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Díaz; Jota.

False Nine

While Liverpool may pursue a conventional striker this summer, much of their recent achievements have stemmed from employing a false nine. Under Jürgen Klopp's guidance, Roberto Firmino perfected this function, creating space for Sadio Mané and Salah to exploit with their pace behind defensive lines. Wirtz could provide similar benefits to what the Brazilian offered Slot's revamped squad.

According to The Athletic, Wirtz has featured in either a striker or shadow striker capacity for 9% of his Bundesliga appearances since 2023-24, indicating some experience in advanced positions. This deployment would also enhance Slot's defensive stability, as the industrious Szoboszlai could maintain his attacking midfield role, with Salah and Díaz providing substantial wide support.

Slot has also occasionally implemented a 4-2-2-2 formation featuring dual false nines, with Wirtz capable of operating as part of such an attacking partnership.

However, deploying Wirtz as a false nine might restrict his impact. One of the midfielder's primary assets is his ability to locate space around the penalty area, rather than engaging with imposing center-backs. While potentially wasteful of Wirtz's abilities, this approach could prove effective in specific circumstances.

Potential Liverpool formation (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Díaz; Wirtz.

Wide Midfielder

Liverpool possess two excellent left-wing options in Díaz and Cody Gakpo. The duo contributed 46 combined goals and assists last season, suggesting the Reds don't urgently require wide reinforcement. However, both players have attracted summer transfer speculation, and at least one departure could occur as Liverpool seek to generate funds.

Wirtz certainly possesses the attributes to excel in a wider position, though this hasn't been a regular feature of his Leverkusen career. Rather than hugging the touchline, he would drift centrally as an inverted winger, contributing goals and assists in advanced areas. With Salah operating similarly on the opposite flank, this would grant attacking full-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez—who is reportedly close to joining from Bournemouth—the license to surge forward.

Díaz typically operates on the left but has frequently been deployed centrally this season to accommodate Gakpo. The Colombian could continue in a striker role next season, facilitating Wirtz's wide deployment.

However, similar to the false nine scenario, positioning Wirtz on the left wing would likely diminish his influence and require adaptation to unfamiliar surroundings. This may represent an unnecessary gamble.

Potential Liverpool formation (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Díaz.