Florian Wirtz put in yet another impressive performance for Liverpool in their Champions League clash against Real Madrid, with Arsene Wenger saying that he’s sure that he can play on the wing if needed.
The 22-year-old has had a tough time of it since making the move to Anfield, as he’s only managed to notch three assists.
However, over the last few weeks, the best version of Wirtz has finally come out, with Liverpool fans seeing how good the German can actually be.
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Indeed, he has been used out wide in both of the games that he played well, but with the number of low blocks Liverpool face, a number 10 just isn’t going to work at times.
Liverpool's Dutch manager Arne Slot arrives ahead of kick-off in the UEFA Champions League, league phase football match between Liverpool and Real Madrid at Anfield.
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
And now, after his recent performances, questions have been raised about whether or not he can become Liverpool’s new winger, with Wenger also chipping in with his thoughts.
Arsene Wenger thinks that Florian Wirtz could easily become a winger at Liverpool
Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, and Mohamed Salah all managed to form a pretty solid trio when attacking with Liverpool on Tuesday evening.
The Reds’ last month or so of games have made fans question whether or not they have what it takes to challenge for the Premier League and the Champions League this term.
But, now that there have been a couple of impressive performances from the Anfield outfit, it feels like they’re finally getting their season back on track, with Wirtz’s outing against Real Madrid more than proving that.
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However, before the game had even kicked off, Wenger shared his thoughts on Wirtz playing as a winger, and he hit the nail on the head.
“Liverpool is an interesting example,” Wenger said on beIN Sports.
“When Wirtz had the choice between going to Bayern Munich or to Liverpool, he said to Liverpool ‘I come to you if I play number 10, I do not want to play wide.’
“Liverpool to get him, they say ok. So they start him [at number 10] they destroy their midfield because their midfield was Gravenberch, Mac Allister and Szoboszlai.
“To play Wirtz, they took Szoboszlai out and what have they done against Aston Villa, they come back to their normal midfield of last year and tonight they play Wirtz.
“But I’m sure that Wirtz will play on the side because the manager has said ‘If you want to play a game you have to play wide because I do not want to disturb the midfield’ so that will be interesting.”
Florian Wirtz finally seems to be coming into his own at Liverpool
Since Liverpool chose to spend up to £116 million on Wirtz in the summer, there’s been a spotlight on him during every single one of his games.
Any sort of mistake, mistimed pass, or even skied shots have all been ridiculed by rival fans, pundits and journalists.
And, although this will have weighed heavily on him and likely got him down, he’s not let it stop him from trying to get better and prove how good he can really be.
Wirtz may be playing outside of his normal position, but the freedom he has when used on the wing is second-to-none.
Florian Wirtz of Liverpool during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Anfield.
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
It allows him to roam anywhere across Liverpool’s attack and even drop back if he thinks that his teammates need additional support.
The German was one of the best number 10s in the world last season, but with the Reds only having one senior option on the left wing, he’s going to be used there much more often.