Andoni Iraola has been sent a message about Florian Wirtz, with his best position at Liverpool clear once the World Cup is over and he returns for pre-season at Anfield
08:27, 13 Jun 2026
Florian Wirtz during the international friendly between the USMNT and Germany.
Florian Wirtz during the international friendly between the USMNT and Germany.(Image: Markus Gilliar - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)
Former Liverpool midfielder Vladimir Smicer says Andoni Iraola must play Florian Wirtz as a number 10, and not off the left, next season, with the German a potential star of this summer's World Cup.
Wirtz arrived in the Premier League for a fee of up to $155 million (£116 million), including add-ons. In his debut campaign, Liverpool struggled, but he scored seven goals and provided 10 assists in all competitions.
"I think the price tag and the transfer money from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool was big, and the pressure was on Wirtz with statistics about how much his goals and assists cost," Smicer said.
"But that pressure from the media and fans is behind him now. He's preparing for the World Cup with his teammates for the national team.
"Two years ago at the European Championship, expectations were not that high, but this time he's two years older and has more experience.
"They need to build the German team around him. At Leverkusen, the team was built for him and he was a free player with wingers on the side and a striker.
Florian Wirtz will be representing Germany at the World Cup
Florian Wirtz will be representing Germany at the World Cup(Image: Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
"In Liverpool, we were trying to find his best position all season. He was playing right, left, as a striker, and behind the striker. But if you buy a player for €130 million, you need to put him in his favorite position and build the team around him."
At Bournemouth, Iraola played a 4-2-3-1 system with Junior Kroupi or Justin Kluivert operating behind Evanilson. In a similar set-up, Wirtz should be able to thrive.
"If you buy Wirtz and play him as a left-winger, you throw that money away," Smicer, speaking to Casinostugan, continued. "You need to play him in his best position and then change other players.
"If you spend that kind of money on Alexander Isak or Florian Wirtz, you must play them in their best position. That's the hard thing. If you play Wirtz as a winger, he will never give you as much.
Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kit
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
£85
LFC Shop
Buy Now on LFC Shop
Liverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign.
"He will still perform, but he's not going to be at his best. So I hope for him and for Germany that they play him in his best position so he can perform.
"I think he was enjoying playing for Liverpool, but of course when he was a left winger he was just trying to do the job. You don't feel the same confidence or feeling when playing in a different position.
"I just hope Andoni Iraola will find his position. I think his best position is behind the striker. Give him the freedom and it should work. If not, it's going to be tough."
Article continues below
Liverpool.com says: Wirtz is clearly a huge talent. He didn't fully show that in his first season at the club, but he will improve in his second, and will look much better in a team that is performing to a higher level across the board.