Florian Wirtz On No.10 Positions After Iraola Comments | OneFootball

Wirtz Embraces Iraola Vision as Liverpool Shape New Attacking Identity

Florian Wirtz has never hidden where he feels most at home on a football pitch. For much of his career, the German has thrived when given freedom between the lines, able to drift into spaces, connect attacks and dictate the rhythm of a game. Now, under Andoni Iraola, Liverpool appear ready to build around those qualities.

The early signs from pre season suggest that Iraola has a clear plan for Wirtz, one that could unlock the midfielder’s full potential after an encouraging, if occasionally inconsistent, debut campaign at Anfield.

Iraola Identifies Wirtz’s Best Position

During his first season with Liverpool, Wirtz featured both as a No. 10 and from the left flank across 49 appearances. There were flashes of brilliance, though there were also moments when the physical demands of English football limited his overall influence.

Iraola believes there is another level to come.

Speaking about his plans for the German international, the Liverpool head coach explained to the LFC Website:

“We know that he was played more on the left sometimes, but we are going to start working with him in that position behind the striker.”

“We want to try to add more things to what he already has, which is very good.”

Photo: IMAGO

Those comments have been warmly received by Wirtz, who admitted the role feels entirely natural.

“Of course. I mean, I was always more like a No. 10.”

“But I play where the manager puts me. We’ve spoken about that as well. Let’s see what happens this season.”

It is a response that reflects both confidence and flexibility, qualities Iraola will value as Liverpool continue adapting to a new tactical direction.

Training Brings Fresh Optimism

While pre season comments often come wrapped in optimism, Wirtz’s enthusiasm for Iraola’s coaching methods feels significant.

The midfielder spoke positively about Liverpool’s sessions in Chicago, highlighting the intensity and technical emphasis that has quickly become a hallmark of Iraola’s approach.

“I just can say that the training is really fun, I enjoyed every training [session] until now.”

“We play a lot of games and possession, and that’s exactly what I like. I just enjoyed it until now.”

Those remarks follow similar praise from Dominik Szoboszlai, who recently suggested, “what we have been missing, it’s back.”

Liverpool supporters may now get their first opportunity to see Wirtz operating consistently behind the striker when Iraola’s side complete their United States tour against Leeds.

Liverpool Ready to Build Around Creativity

For Liverpool, this feels like more than a positional adjustment. Iraola’s willingness to place Wirtz at the centre of his attacking structure suggests the German could become the creative heartbeat of this evolving side.

If the head coach succeeds in surrounding Wirtz with runners and movement ahead of him, Liverpool may finally see the version of the playmaker that dominated the Bundesliga. After a year of adaptation, the opportunity now exists for Wirtz to become the defining figure in Iraola’s new era.