Arne Slot just unleashed new Florian Wirtz and it could help lead Liverpool to the Champions League

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Liverpool attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz was one of the stand-out performers midweek in the Champions League, showing he can play more than just as a number 10Florian Wirtz during the Champions League game between Liverpool and Galatasaray.(Image: Alfie Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)When Liverpool committed to spending up to $157 million (£116 million), including add-ons, on Florian Wirtz last summer, the excitement was justified.This was a player who, at the age of 22, was already a leading light for his country, Germany, who many had assumed would end up at Bayern Munich or Real Madrid. Instead, Arne Slot successfully pitched to him the idea of moving to the Premier League.There was a clear plan in place at Anfield for how he would fit and where he would play.

In the short-term, his creativity could help compensate for the loss of Trent Alexander-Arnold; in the long run, he could become the focal point around which the team's attack is built without Mohamed Salah.READ MORE: Mohamed Salah injury update as Arne Slot confirms Liverpool latest before BrightonREAD MORE: Arne Slot responds to Liverpool contract question - 'Is this how football works?'While he has tended to be used as a number 10, though, with a winger on either side, there appears to be a strong argument that Wirtz is actually best in a slightly different role.Against Galatasaray last time out, he excelled — creating eight chances for his teammates; a record in Europe for a Liverpool player since Opta began collecting data — when coming inside from the left flank, a position he regularly played for Bayer Leverkusen.Wirtz coming inside allowed Milos Kerkez to put in his best performance in a Reds jersey to date, with the Hungary full-back flying forward from defense and showing a version of himself that hasn't been seen too often since his Bournemouth days.Liverpool attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz.(Image: BSR Agency/Getty Images)In the center, Wirtz moving to the left allowed things to be shored up in the middle, with Dominik Szoboszlai helping but Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch looking much more solid as a result of the extra man being alongside them.While Mohamed Salah is now injured, he too looked much better in the new-look shape, with Wirtz teeing him and the Egyptian stationed much closer to goal.With Wirtz as a number 10, Liverpool gives its creative hub a free role and that can work. It did, to name one example, in the game against Sunderland last month.On other occasions, though, the team has been wide open defensively.

Moving the German to the left means that Szoboszlai can do his best work, and Mac Allister and Gravenberch are protected rather than exposed.Get LFC's 2025/26 season home and away kitsThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn moreFrom $100LFC.comSee the dealLiverpool's home and away strips for the 2025/26 season are the first in their new partnership with adidas.Fans can order jerseys in the US at Fanatics.com or via the LFC Online Store in both the US and across the world.With a lack of a Luis Diaz replacement down the left flank and Rio Ngumoha still learning the game, Cody Gakpo has been used even when he has been out of form.Wirtz is a viable alternative, though, at least as long as Jeremie Frimpong is available to play at right-back; his fitness is still needing to be managed."For me, always the most important thing is that the team does good," Wirtz said after a strong performance on Wednesday.