Image Credits: Imago Images
Arsene Wenger has had some intriguing things to say about Liverpool and the potential role of Florian Wirtz.
The 22-year-old created five chances in the first half alone, already the joint-most key passes he’s recorded in a single match for Liverpool, whilst completing 86 percent of his passes.
Florian Wirtz created the same amount of chances at Real Madrid in the first half yesterday. pic.twitter.com/UUazfmIX4T
— DaveOCKOP (@DaveOCKOP) November 5, 2025
His most dangerous moment came when he laid the ball on a plate for Dominik Szoboszlai, only for Thibaut Courtois to produce a world-class save to deny the Hungarian.
Operating with freedom across the frontline, Wirtz received a standing ovation when substituted in the 88th minute, reflecting a night where everything finally clicked.
However, Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger believes it’s no accident that he and Liverpool put their best foot forward when has not occupying the N0.10 role.
Speaking to beINSPORTS, Wenger claimed that Arne Slot had “destroyed” Liverpool’s midfield trying to accommodate the German international:
“Liverpool is an interesting example, when Wirtz had the choice between going to Bayern Munich or Liverpool, he said to Liverpool, ‘I come to you if I play No. 10, I do not want to play wide’”, Wenger said.
“Liverpool, to get him, they say ‘okay’. So they start him, but they destroy their midfield.”
“To play Wirtz, they took Szoboszlai out (of the No. 10 position). Against Aston Villa, they come back to their normal midfield of last year.”
He added that he feels that Arne Slot has already told Wirtz that the midfield imbalance can’t happen again:
“Tonight they play Wirtz on the side (left), because the manager has said if you want to play a game, you have to play wide, because I do not want to destroy the midfield.”
“He (Wirtz) will have to play left where he was at Leverkusen.”
Whether what Wenger believes is true, hopefully Wirtz can now find confidence from his performance against Real Madrid.
With a good period of rest ahead of Sunday’s clash against Manchester City, perhaps we should not be so surprised if we see Wirtz on the left-flank once again.
🗣️ “He said to Liverpool, I’ll come to you if I play number 10… So they started him and destroyed their midfield!”
Arsene Wenger on Liverpool’s struggles to accommodate Florian Wirtz in his preferred position.#beINUCL #LFC #UCL pic.twitter.com/Seso9vIaRD
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) November 4, 2025
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.