In a bold move that has sparked intense debate, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has fired back at Arsène Wenger’s scathing criticism of Florian Wirtz, the club’s record-breaking signing. But here’s where it gets controversial: Wenger claims Wirtz’s arrival disrupted Liverpool’s midfield, forcing them to alter their lineup to accommodate his demands. Is this the truth, or is there more to the story? Let’s dive in.
Liverpool shattered the British transfer record by securing Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for a staggering £116 million ($152.4 million), only to break it again with Alexander Isak’s £125 million move from Newcastle United. Yet, the 22-year-old’s slow start has tested the patience of fans and critics alike. With just three assists in 15 games across all competitions, Wirtz’s integration into the team has been anything but seamless. Slot has experimented with various positions for the midfielder, searching for the perfect fit in a struggling Liverpool side.
And this is the part most people miss: Wenger’s critique goes beyond Wirtz’s performance. Speaking on beIN SPORTS, the former Arsenal manager argued that Liverpool’s decision to sign Wirtz—who insisted on playing as a number 10 rather than a wide player—forced them to dismantle their midfield trio of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai. Wenger pointed to recent matches, including the clash against Aston Villa, where Liverpool reverted to their previous midfield setup, and the Real Madrid game, where Wirtz was deployed on the wing. ‘If you want to play a game, you have to play wide,’ Wenger claimed Slot told Wirtz, ‘because I don’t want to disturb the midfield.’
When confronted with Wenger’s remarks ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League showdown with Manchester City, Slot remained unfazed. ‘Everyone has a right to his own opinion,’ he responded diplomatically. But Slot didn’t stop there. He emphasized that Liverpool’s midfield boasts five or six exceptional players who need time to gel. ‘Florian needs time to adapt to his teammates, and they need time to adapt to him,’ Slot explained. ‘He will have great performances as a midfielder for Liverpool—if not now, then tomorrow.’
Slot also shed light on Wirtz’s versatility, noting his role as an inverted winger under Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen and in the national team. ‘The challenge is getting him into those positions—as an inverted winger or a number 10—where he can produce special things,’ Slot said. ‘He’s already shown that for us, just as he did for Leverkusen and the national team.’
Here’s the real question: Was Wirtz’s decision to choose Liverpool over Bayern Munich or Real Madrid a mistake? His father, speaking to ZDF via BILD, dismissed such concerns. ‘We’re perfectly happy,’ he said. ‘The Premier League’s speed and intensity were impressive at first, but Florian is adapting. The style is different—less organized, more pace-driven—but he’s excited to be part of a growing team with top-quality players.’
While Liverpool’s league position suggests room for improvement, Wirtz’s father remains confident. ‘He’s a good player, and he’ll adapt,’ he said. ‘I hope he enjoys it as much as he did in the Bundesliga.’
Now, over to you: Do you think Wenger’s criticism is fair, or is Slot right to defend Wirtz’s potential? Is Liverpool’s midfield better off with or without Wirtz in his preferred role? Let’s spark a debate in the comments!
