Liverpool Fans Give Their Verdict on Florian Wirtz After Arne Slot Hands Him a ‘New Role’
Liverpool supporters quickly formed an opinion on Florian Wirtz after Arne Slot tried him in a different role against Crystal Palace.
The German playmaker returned to the starting lineup at Selhurst Park after being left out of the previous weekend’s clash with Everton. Wirtz had started Liverpool’s prior four league fixtures, including matches against Newcastle and Arsenal, but the £116 million summer signing from Bayer Leverkusen has yet to live up to his hefty price tag.
In a bid to spark his Liverpool career, Slot deployed him slightly differently on Saturday. Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch anchored the midfield, with Dominik Szoboszlai pushed higher up, while Wirtz appeared to begin on the left wing rather than his usual No.10 role. Yet he often drifted inside, leaving the flank exposed despite Milos Kerkez’s efforts to cover.
Fans on X were quick to comment:
“Who’s playing on the left? Because Wirtz isn’t staying there.”
“The harsh reality is we’re a better team without Wirtz right now.”
“Slot needs to take off Wirtz and bring on Chiesa or Cody.”
“What’s our formation? Who is supposed to be left wing when Wirtz is always central?”
Given his quiet first-half display, Slot might consider calling on substitutes such as Cody Gakpo or Federico Chiesa to inject energy.
Wirtz has struggled to adapt to the Premier League since leaving Germany and is still without a goal or assist since the Community Shield. Ahead of the Palace game, he told Sky Germany he had discussed his difficulties with Slot.
“I recently spoke to the coach and he explained why I might not be getting into the positions I usually find,” Wirtz said. “I normally speed up the game with a dribble or pass, but with our intense pressing I’m running so much that I may lack a bit of energy on the ball.
“My running stats are always among the highest because I try to work hard and follow the coach’s instructions. That takes a lot of strength, so when I get possession I might be a little drained. He told me it will come step by step—as I play more, build fitness and recover better, I’ll have the energy to be more decisive when I’m on the ball.”
