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Florian Wirtz is a transfer target for Liverpool(Image: Bayer 04 Leverkusen)

With Florian Wirtz linked with a Liverpool transfer, Jamie Carragher recognises that this would push Dominik Szoboszlai out of a position he has occupied during the Premier League title-winning campaign.

However, the Reds legend believes the Hungarian is too influential to simply leave out, so predicts a p

osition change next season.

Wirtz, 22, is the centre of a huge storm before the transfer market has even opened for the summer.

The ECHO understands Anfield chiefs are ready to compete with Bayern Munich for the German international, now that English rivals Manchester City have dropped out of the running.

Of his 197 appearances for his current club, Wirtz has made 155 (78.6 percent) as an attacking midfielder, otherwise known as the No.10 role.

READ MORE:Liverpool could be set for imminent transfer boost as Darwin Nunez saga reaches critical pointREAD MORE:Federico Chiesa starts as key Liverpool players benched for Brighton

Now, that is an area Liverpool have had occupied by Szoboszlai in 34 of his 47 outings (72.3 percent) in 2024/25.

That makes Monday's match at Brighton one of the rare occurrences he has started in a deeper central midfield role.

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"I’ve had this thing with Szoboszlai where I think he’s got the qualities of a central midfielder, the way we describe his energy.

Florian Wirtz.

"What would be interesting is let’s say that deal got done, Szoboszlai’s energy is vitally important to Liverpool.

Could you do with that energy in central midfield?"

It is not an unreasonable suggestion as in 30 of the 34 matches up until and including the day the Premier League title was won against Tottenham Hotspur last month, Alexis Mac Allister had started in the No.8 role.

In turn, Ryan Gravenberch had started all 34 in the No.6 role.

Having an extra body in there would help Slot rotate his options between league and cup competitions in 2025/26.

Carragher got the chance to ask Slot before kick-off against the Seagulls if Szoboszlai was indeed being trialled as a central midfielder.

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"Uh, yes, he is," the Dutchman responded, joking: "Before this I said is it really necessary for me to go in because Jamie knows everything.

"Dominik is playing as an eight, with Ryan as a six and Harvey [Elliott] a bit more forward.

"Dominik sees his best position as an eight as well, so it will be interesting to see how he does in this position."


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