Three ways Liverpool could line up next season with Florian Wirtz

Liverpool’s summer transfer business has taken a massive leap forward with the club on the verge of finalizing a sensational deal for German midfield sensation Florian Wirtz. The 22-year-old playmaker, hailed as one of the most technically gifted players of his generation, is expected to arrive from Bayer Leverkusen in a record-breaking transfer worth up to £116 million.

The deal not only underlines Liverpool’s ambition to retain their Premier League title but also signals the start of a new creative era under Arne Slot, who succeeded Jürgen Klopp at the helm last season. With Wirtz’s arrival imminent, fans and pundits alike are eagerly speculating on how Slot plans to incorporate the German international into his already well-drilled side.

Wirtz was the engine behind Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga triumph last season, contributing 13 assists and 10 goals from a variety of advanced midfield positions. His tactical intelligence, dribbling flair, and sharp decision-making in the final third make him a versatile asset capable of transforming Liverpool’s attacking structure.

However, fitting a superstar into an already title-winning system is never straightforward. The Reds are blessed with a solid core and a functional squad that understands Slot’s demands, making it crucial for Wirtz to find a role that enhances the team rather than disrupts its balance. Fortunately, the young midfielder has the tools to thrive in multiple systems.

Let’s explore three realistic tactical setups that could allow Liverpool to unlock the full potential of Florian Wirtz in the 2025/26 season.

Option 1: Central Attacking Midfielder (The Number 10 Role)

Perhaps the most natural position for Wirtz is the traditional central attacking midfielder, where he would operate just behind the striker in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-2-1 system. At Leverkusen, Wirtz flourished in this role, often floating between the lines and exploiting half-spaces to unlock defenses.

Liverpool under Slot have flirted with a more progressive central structure, and this could be the perfect time to solidify a true No. 10 in the lineup. While Dominik Szoboszlai was used in that position last season, Wirtz arguably brings more finesse and vision, especially in tight situations against low blocks.

Given that many Premier League sides now set up defensively at Anfield, Wirtz’s ability to thread passes through compact defensive units could be invaluable. His creativity and link-up play with forwards like Diogo Jota, Mohamed Salah, and potentially Cody Gakpo could redefine Liverpool’s approach in the final third.

Moreover, Wirtz is no luxury player. He ranks in the Bundesliga’s top 10 for interceptions and duels won, and averaged 7.6 miles per match, proving he can match the defensive work rate required in Slot’s high-energy pressing system.

Option 2: Left Wing (Replacing Luis Diaz)

Another option is deploying Wirtz as a left winger, especially if Luis Diaz departs this summer amid strong interest from Barcelona. The left wing has been a position of mild inconsistency for Liverpool in recent months, and Wirtz’s arrival could stabilize that flank with a fresh creative dynamic.

Though Wirtz isn’t a traditional wide man, he thrives in a hybrid wide playmaker role where he drifts inside to combine centrally while allowing the full-back to overlap. This would suit someone like Milos Kerkez, who is reportedly on Liverpool’s radar, and who could bomb forward and provide width while Wirtz cuts in to link up play.

Slot’s preference for a 4-3-2-1 system makes this a viable option, especially in matches where Liverpool dominate possession. From the left, Wirtz could cut in on his stronger right foot, drive into central zones, and either shoot or pick out passes for his teammates.

Given that Salah dominates the right flank and continues to age gracefully, this setup allows Liverpool to build a balanced front three with Gakpo or Jota centrally, Wirtz on the left, and Salah on the right — all interchanging fluidly.

Option 3: False 9 or Second Striker

A third — and perhaps the most intriguing — option is utilizing Wirtz as a false nine or second striker, especially if Darwin Núñez ends up leaving Anfield this summer. While unconventional, this role isn’t new to the German star, who played in similar positions under Xabi Alonso during Leverkusen’s title charge.

Slot has shown willingness to experiment with a strikerless system on occasion, notably using Luis Diaz in a false nine role during key matches last season, including a famous 4-0 victory over Leverkusen. If no direct replacement for Núñez arrives, Wirtz could be trusted to carry the attacking load from this withdrawn forward position.

As a false nine, Wirtz could drop into midfield to overload central areas, combine with midfield runners, and draw out defenders to create space for Salah and others to exploit. His technical prowess, quick turns, and awareness make him a nightmare for rigid defensive lines.

This setup could also work in a 4-4-2 diamond, where Wirtz plays just behind the striker, such as Jota, operating in pockets and facilitating vertical interplay with midfielders like Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones.

Why Wirtz Is the Perfect Slot Player

No matter the formation, what makes Wirtz especially appealing is his tactical intelligence and versatility. He can drift, press, combine, and create — all qualities that match Arne Slot’s progressive footballing philosophy.

The Dutch manager values work rate, positional discipline, and quick transitions, all of which Wirtz has demonstrated at the highest level. In fact, Slot is said to have personally spoken with Wirtz during negotiations and discussed the idea of him becoming the side’s creative nucleus.

This transfer isn’t just about replacing existing players — it’s about evolving Liverpool into a more possession-oriented, tactically fluid team capable of adapting to any challenge in England and Europe.

Potential Challenges Ahead

Despite all the excitement, integrating a big-money signing into a functioning team is never without risk. Wirtz’s development hinges on how well he adapts to the Premier League’s pace and physicality. The demands at Anfield are relentless, and the expectations following a £116 million fee will be enormous.

There’s also the matter of chemistry. Players like Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, and Harvey Elliott all occupy roles in similar zones. Slot will need to carefully balance egos, roles, and minutes to avoid friction and maximize performance.

What This Means for Liverpool’s Title Ambitions

If Wirtz hits the ground running, Liverpool could elevate themselves from title contenders to potential European juggernauts. Their midfield would be both technical and aggressive, their attack more unpredictable, and their overall squad depth vastly improved.

In tight matches where a moment of brilliance is the difference between one point and three, Wirtz could be the decisive figure — much like Kevin De Bruyne has been for Manchester City in recent years.

Conclusion

Whether deployed centrally, wide left, or as a false nine, Florian Wirtz offers Liverpool an abundance of tactical possibilities heading into the 2025/26 campaign. With Arne Slot overseeing his development and a talented squad surrounding him, the German wonderkid could be the key that unlocks a new era of dominance at Anfield.

And if his performances match his price tag, it won’t be long before Wirtz’s name is sung from every corner of the Kop.