Where Will Wirtz Play? Liverpool’s £116m Star Set for Key Role Under Slot

‘He Will Go Stratospheric’: Where Will Wirtz Play in Liverpool’s New Era?

Liverpool’s £116m signing of Florian Wirtz isn’t just a statement transfer—it’s the foundation of a new tactical era under manager Arne Slot.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder, regarded as one of Europe’s most complete young players, is set to take on a pivotal role in a reshaped Reds lineup, as they look to build on their 2024-25 Premier League title triumph.

“His name is going to go stratospheric,” said German football expert Raphael Honigstein, praising Wirtz’s readiness for England’s top flight. “You are buying a superstar.”

Where Will Wirtz Fit into Arne Slot’s Liverpool?

Wirtz thrived as a number 10 in Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten Bundesliga-winning campaign, contributing 12 assists and creating 70 chances from open play—more than any player in the league.

Slot plans to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, where Wirtz will serve as the creative hub. His ability to glide between the lines, break down deep defenses, and deliver final balls makes him ideal for this system.

“He will be the fulcrum in attack,” Honigstein explained. “A very modern number 10.”

The Domino Effect: Who Makes Way?

Slot’s midfield is brimming with talent. While Ryan Gravenberch has nailed down a deeper role, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister now face competition.

Szoboszlai, who contributed more goals and big chances than Mac Allister, could be shifted wider or even deployed as a false nine—a system Liverpool used successfully in the past with Roberto Firmino.

Mo Salah remains untouchable on the right, with Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo alternating on the left. Slot’s tactical flexibility might see Wirtz or Szoboszlai operating centrally, pushing Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota further down the pecking order.

False Nine Option? Slot’s Tactical Blueprint Emerges

Arne Slot’s Feyenoord used a false nine system where central strikers dropped deep to pull defenders out of position, creating space for wingers and overlapping full-backs.

Liverpool could follow this model—with Wirtz or Szoboszlai at the tip, Salah and Diaz as wide threats, and new full-backs like Jeremie Frimpong and possibly Milos Kerkez providing attacking width.

“Liverpool with number nines hasn’t worked,” said podcaster John Gibbons. “This gives them a new dynamic, just like PSG did with Ousmane Dembele.”

Wirtz’s Rise: From ACL Heartbreak to Club Record Signing

Wirtz’s move to Liverpool comes two years after a serious ACL injury derailed his World Cup hopes. But he’s since bounced back, racking up 44 Bundesliga assists—third-most since his debut, and more than any player under 29.

His tenacity, tactical IQ, and elite dribbling made him a top target for clubs like Bayern Munich and Manchester City, but it was Liverpool’s clear plan and vision that won him over.

“No other club came close in presenting a complete project,” said Honigstein.

The Family Factor: Agent Dad, Sunday League Roots

Wirtz’s story is also a family affair. His father Hans-Joachim negotiated the deal while running a Sunday league team in Pulheim, near Cologne. His sister Juliane plays for Werder Bremen, and his mother is a handball coach.

“It’s not typical in today’s world,” said German journalist Constantin Eckner, “but maybe that’s what keeps Florian grounded.”

What’s Next for Slot’s Liverpool?

With Jeremie Frimpong already signed and talks ongoing for Milos Kerkez, Liverpool’s new era is taking shape. Wirtz’s signing signals a more fluid, technical, and attacking approach under Slot—where midfielders are playmakers, not passengers.

Wirtz isn’t just Liverpool’s most expensive player ever—he might also be the most transformative.