Arne Slot Told He Made 'Mistake' with Florian Wirtz Immediately After Liverpool Transfer Spree

Arne Slot's decision to deploy high-profile signing Florian Wirtz in a central role has been labeled a mistake by pundits, shortly after Liverpool's expensive summer transfer window. The 22-year-old German international, acquired from Bayer Leverkusen for an initial £100m (potentially rising to £116m), has struggled to adapt to the Premier League's physical demands, registering zero goals or assists in 11 league games.^[1]

Gary Neville highlighted Wirtz's "really bad day" during Liverpool's heavy defeat at Manchester City, where the champions sit eighth in the table. Neville noted that Slot initially positioned Wirtz centrally before shifting him to his preferred left-wing spot in recent matches. While Wirtz impressed against Real Madrid in the Champions League, he retreated into his shell against City, appearing short of the tenacity required for top-flight English football.^[1]

"He's been chucked around the pitch, and didn't deliver on the quality side of things," Neville said, urging Liverpool to persist with the talent but instill more grit. Analysts question if Slot's tactical system is failing Wirtz, who has looked more comfortable in Europe than domestically. Despite his work rate and aesthetic appeal, Wirtz has yet to dominate a single game or "take games by the scruff of the neck," as expected from such an investment.^[2]

The poor City performance—described as one of Liverpool's worst under Slot, with a 3-0 loss exposing midfield vulnerabilities—has amplified concerns. Seven losses in 10 league games signal deeper issues, with goals scarce and concessions mounting. Pundits call for hard decisions at Anfield to unlock Wirtz's potential and revive the team's high standards.^[1][2]

Neville emphasizes patience but warns time is running thin: Liverpool must refine their approach to harness Wirtz's Germany international pedigree amid a troubling start to the season.^[1]

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