Jurgen Klopp has expressed his excitement over Liverpool’s record-breaking signing of Florian Wirtz while highlighting the tactical challenges that Arne Slot may face in integrating the German playmaker into his system.
Wirtz joined Liverpool in June on a five-year deal worth £116 million, making him the most expensive signing in the club’s history. Despite the buzz surrounding his arrival, the 21-year-old was absent from Liverpool’s first pre-season fixture against Preston, where the Reds secured a 3-1 victory. Other summer signings, including Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and Freddie Woodman, all featured in the match.
Klopp believes Wirtz has the quality to justify the investment and become a key figure for Liverpool. However, the former Reds boss admitted that his success will depend largely on how Arne Slot decides to utilize him within the squad. Wirtz excelled as a central attacking midfielder at Bayer Leverkusen, where he contributed 16 goals and 15 assists last season, thriving in an advanced role behind the striker.
Slot, however, is reportedly exploring multiple tactical options for Wirtz. One possibility is deploying him as a false nine, a role that could allow Liverpool’s wide attackers like Mohamed Salah to operate with greater freedom. Alternatively, Wirtz could be shifted to the left wing, especially if Luis Diaz departs amid strong interest from Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Another intriguing option is positioning him deeper as a number eight in a midfield three, working alongside Dominik Szoboszlai in advanced roles while players like Ryan Gravenberch or Alexis Mac Allister provide defensive cover as the holding midfielder.
The flexibility Wirtz offers is undoubtedly an asset, but it presents a delicate balancing act for Slot. If the German is deployed as a traditional playmaker in the number 10 role, the team may require two defensive-minded midfielders behind him, which could restrict the creative freedom of others, particularly Szoboszlai. Slot will need to find the perfect structure that maximizes Wirtz’s attacking strengths without compromising the team’s overall balance.
Klopp, who congratulated Wirtz after the deal was finalized, expressed confidence that the midfielder will shine at Anfield, describing him as an “exceptional talent” capable of elevating an already strong Liverpool side. For Slot, the real task begins now figuring out how to unlock Wirtz’s full potential and ensure that the Reds maintain their winning momentum in the coming season.
