Liverpool fans are in an uproar after manager Arne Slot’s controversial tactical shift involving Florian Wirtz during the match against Crystal Palace. The German midfielder, who was recently signed for a staggering £116 million, was moved out of his preferred central role to a left-sided position, leaving supporters questioning the wisdom of this bold gamble.
Wirtz’s repositioning sparked immediate concern as he repeatedly drifted inside, leaving the left flank alarmingly vacant. This forced fullback Milos Kirkis to cover excessive ground, disrupting Liverpool’s structure and flow. Fans took to social media platform X to express their frustration, questioning who was actually occupying the left wing and whether Wirtz’s movement was detrimental to the team’s performance.
After being benched in the previous match against Everton, Wirtz was recalled to the starting eleven but has yet to find his form in the Premier League. His only contribution so far has been an assist in the Community Shield, and he remains in search of his first league goal or assist for Liverpool. Slot acknowledged that Wirtz has been honest about his struggles, noting that while he leads the team in running, he needs to regain the match fitness necessary to combine his energy with the technical prowess he is known for.
The clock is ticking as fans demand answers: Should Wirtz continue as a drifting creator, or should Slot lock him into a fixed left-wing role for better balance? With bench options like Cody Gakpo and Federico Kasa available, the pressure is mounting for Slot to make the right call ahead of the next match. Liverpool’s title hopes may hinge on this pivotal decision. What will happen next? Only time will tell.
