Wirtz sparks excitement as Slot’s Liverpool tactics begin to take shape | OneFootball

Wirtz impresses in early showing under Slot

Florian Wirtz’s Liverpool debut was deliberately low-key – absent at Preston and limited to behind-closed-doors minutes against Stoke City. But as pre-season edges closer to competitive football, supporters have finally seen a more revealing glimpse of the club’s £116million signing from Bayer Leverkusen.

Against AC Milan, Wirtz featured for 45 minutes in a role that blended playmaker instincts with false 10 tendencies, drifting between lines and operating alongside another attacking midfielder. While Liverpool fielded no natural striker, it was a useful experiment for Arne Slot, whose evolving tactical framework continues to gather definition.

Despite a modest frame, Wirtz exhibited pace, agility and sharp decision-making. His link-up with the right flank – particularly one flowing exchange that should have ended in a goal – hinted at natural chemistry and attacking clarity. More importantly, his positional awareness allowed him to drop deeper and operate in the half-spaces, showcasing exactly why he was targeted: to unlock defences with intelligence, not just flair.

The midfielder’s eye for a forward pass was on display throughout, expanding on the short passing range glimpsed during the limited Stoke footage. Slot appears to be shaping a system that will ask Wirtz to dictate tempo, orchestrate movement and exploit pockets – but crucially, one that will depend on a proper number nine for full effect.

Slot tests tactical versatility with positional shifts

One of the more intriguing moments from the 2–1 win over Stoke was the use of a senior midfielder in an unorthodox right-back role. That choice, interpreted by some as a message about positional flexibility under Slot, gave way to a more familiar midfield deployment against Milan – with immediate impact.

In the absence of a full-strength side, it’s clear Slot is assessing adaptability as much as ability, according to Ian Doyle in the Echo. The return to central midfield was marked by intensity and a standout finish, a curled strike into the top corner that drew Liverpool level. The defensive work, particularly a well-timed challenge in the box, underscored the player’s all-round value.

Slot’s early tactical plans appear to emphasise interchangeability across midfield zones, with ball progression, pressing structure, and spatial discipline all under the microscope. Whether this fluidity becomes a permanent feature or a short-term necessity remains to be seen, but it’s evident that roles will not be static in the Dutchman’s system.

Ngumoha emerges as early pre-season standout

While many eyes were understandably fixed on Wirtz, few have made a louder statement than 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha. With Luis Diaz subject to strong interest from Bayern Munich, Ngumoha has seized his pre-season opportunities with remarkable composure.

A contribution to the opener at Preston, a deflected goal against Stoke, and a direct role in Liverpool’s equaliser versus Milan all paint the picture of a youngster rising with confidence. His ability to drive at defenders, combined with positional discipline, made a tangible difference on both flanks.

Ngumoha’s maturity has drawn praise within the club, and while Liverpool may yet move in the transfer market, Slot’s trust in youth appears genuine. With European and domestic campaigns ahead, the teenager could be called upon sooner than expected.

Early signs of Slot’s new tactical identity

From high-press experiments to asymmetrical full-back shapes and the use of false 10s, Slot is embedding his ideas swiftly. Wirtz’s intelligence is central to this build-up phase – not just as a marquee signing, but as a tactical reference point. Liverpool’s pre-season, though still in development, is beginning to reflect the Dutch coach’s philosophy: fluidity, precision, and positional awareness.

The coming weeks will provide further clarity, but early indicators suggest Slot is crafting a more dynamic Liverpool. Wirtz, with his measured creativity and quick adaptation, is already becoming integral to that transformation.