Florian Wirtz at Liverpool: Record Signing Raises Tactical Questions Under Arne Slot
Jurgen Klopp praises the German star but admits uncertainty over Wirtz’s position at Anfield
Florian Wirtz has officially joined Liverpool FC as the club’s most expensive signing ever, but questions linger about how new manager Arne Slot will use the 22-year-old German prodigy. Despite Jurgen Klopp’s public admiration, Wirtz’s tactical role at Anfield remains undecided.
€117 Million Signing Sparks Tactical Debate
Wirtz arrived from Bayer Leverkusen for a record-breaking €117 million (R$754 million), making him the most expensive player in Premier League history. His 2024 campaign was nothing short of sensational 16 goals and 15 assists in 44 matches making him one of Europe’s hottest midfield talents.
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However, the real challenge now begins: where will he play under Slot?
“I’m sure he’ll find his place, but I don’t know where Arne plans to use him,” Klopp told the Daily Mail. “But it’s a fantastic signing. It’s hard to improve a championship-level squad Liverpool did it.”
Wirtz Yet to Make Debut Under Slot
Although Wirtz has been part of pre-season preparations for four weeks, he did not feature in the recent 3–1 friendly win over Preston North End. According to Daily Mail, Wirtz is currently following a custom fitness program and is expected to be integrated into full training within days.
Other new arrivals including Jeremie Frimpong, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Milos Kerkez, and Freddie Woodman featured in the match and are already adapting to Slot’s high-tempo, attacking system.
Tactical Fit: Where Could Wirtz Play at Liverpool?
At Bayer Leverkusen, Wirtz thrived in the No. 10 role, pulling strings behind the striker. But his positional flexibility is one of his biggest assets. Under Arne Slot, he could be deployed in several ways:
- Attacking midfielder (central) – his natural position
- False nine – especially if Darwin Núñez continues to struggle
- Inverted winger – particularly if Luis Díaz is sold in this window
- Central midfielder – as a dynamic playmaker in a 4-3-3 system
Liverpool fans are eager to see how Slot utilizes Wirtz, especially as the manager looks to reshape the team’s midfield for the post-Klopp era.
Klopp’s Endorsement a Boost for Wirtz’s Future
Klopp, who left Liverpool after nearly a decade in charge, sees Wirtz as a future Premier League star:
“It’s a move that makes sense for both sides. He’s got the technical skill, the brain, and the drive. The only question now is where and how Slot uses him,” Klopp added in an interview with RTL/NTV.
Wirtz to Make Pre-Season Debut Soon
Wirtz is expected to make his Liverpool debut in the coming friendlies, as the Reds gear up for the 2025/26 Premier League season. Slot is reportedly prioritizing his full integration before the first competitive fixture.
