Florian Wirtz endured a difficult debut campaign at Liverpool following his £116 million move from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, but the club's writers believe the 23-year-old must be deployed in his natural No.10 role to thrive under new head coach Andoni Iraola.
Wirtz's first season at Anfield
Liverpool completed the £116m signing of Wirtz in July 2025 as part of a record-breaking £450m transfer spree. However, the German playmaker struggled to consistently hit top form during the season, and his World Cup campaign ended in disappointment with Germany's shock round-of-32 defeat to Paraguay. Wirtz was often deployed out wide under former manager Arne Slot, particularly on the left flank, to accommodate other players.
Paul Gorst: Wirtz needs to be central
ECHO writer Paul Gorst argues that Wirtz is not an archetypal wide forward. "His pace is not his best asset and he relies more on speed of thought and movement. Therefore, his best role is surely as the most advanced midfielder going forward," Gorst writes. He adds that Wirtz needs pace and movement ahead of him, which he lacked last season as Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo struggled. Gorst highlights the need to nurture a relationship with Alexander Isak, saying, "Wirtz will excel as a No.10 with quick players ahead of him. Utilising him in wide areas simply fails to maximize his potential."
Ian Doyle: Invested too much to waste him wide
Ian Doyle echoes the sentiment, noting that Wirtz was bought as a No.10 but spent significant time elsewhere. "Liverpool didn't invest so much money in a player they didn't think couldn't impress in his natural position," Doyle writes. He points out that the Reds are well stocked on the left with Rio Ngumoha, Cody Gakpo, and new signing Victor Munoz, and are in the market for a right winger. Doyle concludes: "Wirtz's main job will be to help unlock Alexander Isak from central positions while the wide men also play their natural game."
Impact and expectations for next season
Both writers agree that Wirtz must be given a consistent run as the creative fulcrum in central midfield. With the right combination of players around him, including Isak and new additions, Wirtz is expected to show his true value in the upcoming season. Iraola faces a major decision in how to deploy the talented midfielder, but the consensus is clear: play him centrally.
