Liverpool fans have been debating whether Florian Wirtz should be the centrepiece of Arne Slot's system after his performance against West Ham
Florian Wirtz impressed in Liverpool's 2-0 win at West Ham United(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)View Image
Liverpool Echo readers have been engaged in a lively debate over Florian Wirtz and Arne Slot's tactics, with fans divided on how Liverpool should structure their attack and who should accompany the German player.
Florian Wirtz unexpectedly found himself under the spotlight this week when ex-Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann stated that his fellow German had until Christmas to demonstrate his worth at Anfield. The vehemently dismissive reaction from the majority of supporters suggests that this is not a commonly held opinion.
Indeed, Reds boss Slot doesn't seem inclined to hastily disregard the potential of a player he believes can be the linchpin of his revamped team.
Unleashing the true Wirtz has been one of several significant challenges during the initial months of the season. While there have been flashes of brilliance in the Champions League, the attacking midfielder hasn't quite managed to replicate that form on the domestic front.
This, therefore, was a positive stride forward. Having been absent - and notably missed - in the last two matches, Wirtz was reinstated into his favoured number ten position.
His consistent creative input deserved better reward during the first half, although the player himself could arguably have done more when he shot an opportunity at West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.
However, Wirtz's tenacity paid off when a smart through ball found Cody Gakpo unmarked inside the box, setting up Alexander Isak's opening goal.
He was Liverpool's standout performer before being taken off with a quarter of an hour left to play.
Some supporters believe the team should be built around him. One reader, Samsongforyou suggests: "Slot needs to make Wirtz a focal point of our attack, and that requires the other players adapting. His movement and one-touch play is top drawer – and he works hard."
Zakky believes: "I think Wirtz is unhappy at LFC, maybe it's Slot that is the problem with some of the players, that means Slot is doomed no matter what the results are."
Lovemedo feels: "Wirtz is our Coutinho of today, minus the trademark curling shot (for now). I just hope he starts taking more shots on goal instead of always looking for the pass, even though his passing is excellent. In many moments, his vision and weight of pass really do remind me of the Brazilian.
"About Salah, any fans blaming him for our dip in form are being disingenuous. Using the West Ham match as 'proof' is even more misplaced. West Ham were poor, much like Aston Villa at Anfield. And we all know what happened afterward. What truly changed yesterday was stability on the right with Gomez at RB, Wirtz operating with more freedom, Gakpo tracking back, Gravy and Szobo defending with discipline, and Konate avoiding the costly mistakes that have hurt us. In fact, the match cried out for Salah’s ability to draw defenders and disrupt shape. The real lesson is simple: fix the defensive system, and everything improves. If you don’t concede first, chances are you win the game."
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Livfan adds: "I do not know why there is all this talk going on about Wirtz of what he had produced yesterday, for me nothing more than Nunez a lot of work rate with less intensity while awful infront of goal, it is possible that history is repeating itself and we are going to have the same situation we had with Nunez, all in all it's clear now that the main problem is Slot's stubbornness and favouritism should he made the right selection like finaly he done with Gomez and started with Chiesa and Ekitike instead of Izak and Gapko the game should have gone to bed in the first half, but know Slot will continue till the end with his stuborness and favouritism and feels very happy winning against the hammers."
Do you think that favouring Writz is the way to success? Comments below or HERE to join in the debate.