Photo by Steven Halliwell/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Steven Halliwell/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
A graphic posing the question: "Where does Florian Wirtz go from here?" Image shows Florian Wirtz playing for Liverpool FC.
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Liverpool fans have every right to question Man City rivalry after Premier League findings
Liverpool fans have every right to question Man City rivalry after Premier League findings
Liverpool fans divided over what they saw after Ryan Gravenberch's Man City red card
Liverpool fans divided over what they saw after Ryan Gravenberch's Man City red card
Liverpool have an easy way to move on from Florian Wirtz but they can't do it just yet
Liverpool have an easy way to move on from Florian Wirtz but they can't do it just yet
Man City showed Liverpool exactly which two January signings they need to make to save their season
Man City showed Liverpool exactly which two January signings they need to make to save their season
Why Jurgen Klopp was once fuming with the referee who sent Ryan Gravenberch off during Liverpool vs Man City
Why Jurgen Klopp was once fuming with the referee who sent Ryan Gravenberch off during Liverpool vs Man City
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Brendan Rodgers
Liverpool fans display a banner reading “No legacy is so rich as honesty” above a row of trophy icons showing the club’s honours in the stands during the match during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Liverpool FC and Manchester City
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Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images
Credit: Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Hugo Ekitike can replace Wirtz in Liverpool’s best XI
When Wirtz has been at his best for Liverpool, it has been when linking up with Ekitike. The two seemed to be on the same wavelength last season, and were often the best thing about watching the Reds under Arne Slot.
Nevertheless, fans are rightly growing impatient with Wirtz, and by the time Ekitike returns to fitness in January, their tolerance may have completely ebbed away.
There are ways Iraola could remove Wirtz before Ekitike comes back, with the most probable scenario seeing Szoboszlai return to the role he played when Liverpool won the Premier League two years ago, with Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister sitting behind him.
While that has the look of a much more solid midfield, Iraola does also have to think about how he can get Ekitike and Isak into the same team at some point, along with Bradley Barcola. Bought for big money, the two strikers were seemingly signed to play together, and while the plan had initially included Wirtz, it can easily move forward without him.
READ MORE: Andoni Iraola urged to start Liverpool youngster in the Champions League on Wednesday in ‘obvious’ change
Iraola often played what looked like a front two for Bournemouth last season, with Junior Kroupi playing just behind Evanilson. A similar set-up could work for both Ekitike and Isak, with Barcola and Cody Gakpo or Victor Munoz occupying the wide positions.
Clearly, this would also leave Liverpool with a fairly vulnerable two in midfield, but Ekitike would give so much more going the other way than Wirtz currently is. Having the Frenchman rotating with Barcola on the left while servicing Isak through the middle sounds like a surefire way to get the Reds more goals.
In the meantime, Liverpool fans may have to wait for Szoboszlai’s return to fitness before Iraola does anything at all. His options are stretched right now, meaning Wirtz may carry on by default.
Players will begin to return, though, and when they do the Germany international will feel like he is on borrowed time. Unless he can suddenly find some form, Iraola has to look ahead to what is best in the longer term. Ekitike will feel he can offer more, and while it does not feel great the moment, his return in the coming months will give Liverpool a vision of what their future should be. For now, that future does not include Florian Wirtz.