“It’s not his fault!” – Analyst defends Florian Wirtz amid Liverpool struggles | OneFootball

Florian Wirtz’s Struggles and Arne Slot’s Tactical Dilemma

Liverpool’s £116m summer signing, Florian Wirtz, has yet to fully showcase the immense potential that led the club to invest heavily in him. Critics have been quick to point out his lack of goals and assists in the Premier League, but according to Michael Reid, a data analyst who spoke to Dave Davis for Anfield Index, the root of Wirtz’s struggles is not entirely down to the player himself. Instead, it’s a broader issue linked to Liverpool’s tactical approach under manager Arne Slot.

A Misfit Role for Wirtz

Wirtz arrived at Anfield with the expectation that he would slot into the number 10 role, playing just behind the striker. It was a position that suited his skills, one that would allow him to unlock defences and contribute to Liverpool’s attacking play. However, in recent games, Slot has experimented with Wirtz as a left-winger, a decision that has baffled many.

Reid explained, “Last couple of games he has played Wirtz as a left-winger, which clearly wasn’t the plan. He was signed to be the number ten, just behind the striker.” This tactical shift has not only disrupted Wirtz’s natural game but also hampered Liverpool’s ability to get the best out of the highly talented German. Reid’s analysis highlights how Wirtz is being asked to play a role that does not align with his strengths, and that could be one of the reasons for his underwhelming performances so far.

Teamwide Issues Affecting Wirtz

While Wirtz has not contributed with a goal or an assist in the Premier League, Reid makes a compelling point: the problem isn’t solely on Wirtz’s shoulders. “It’s not Wirtz’s fault that he doesn’t have a goal or an assist in the Premier League yet, it’s more of an issue of the team generally,” Reid said. The tactical confusion surrounding Wirtz’s positioning mirrors a larger issue with Liverpool’s overall attacking play, one that has seen the team struggle to build cohesion in their offensive game.

Reid draws a comparison to Mohamed Salah’s own frustrations this season. “Just like how it’s not Mo Salah’s fault that he is getting less of the ball this season,” he added. Salah, who is typically the focal point of Liverpool’s attack, has seen a reduction in his involvement, a testament to the tactical inconsistencies that are currently undermining the team’s attacking efficiency.

Photo: IMAGO

Slot’s Tactical Adjustment Needed

Reid is clear that the issues plaguing both Wirtz and Salah are not isolated to individual performances, but rather a tactical problem that Slot must address. “These are problems that Slot needs to work out and how to get the best out of these really talented players.” Slot, who guided Liverpool to a Premier League title in his first season, now finds himself in a situation where his team is struggling to find form.

With Liverpool currently sitting 8th in the table, having lost five of their last six league matches, Slot faces a critical juncture in his managerial journey. The question remains whether he can adapt his tactics to unleash the full potential of his key players and restore Liverpool’s competitive edge.