Arsene Wenger claims new Liverpool signing 'destroyed' midfield

Wenger questions Liverpool’s tactical adjustments

Arsène Wenger has raised serious questions over Liverpool’s handling of Florian Wirtz, suggesting the £116 million summer signing has “destroyed” the balance of Arne Slot’s midfield.

The German playmaker arrived from Bayer Leverkusen in July after turning down Bayern Munich, with expectations that he would bring creativity and vision to the Premier League champions. Yet four months into his Anfield career, Wirtz’s adaptation remains uncertain.

He has featured in 15 matches across all competitions, providing three assists but failing to score. His deployment has varied, with Slot using him as a No8, No10 and even out wide. In Liverpool’s recent 1-0 Champions League win against Real Madrid, Wirtz started on the left flank ahead of Cody Gakpo, having been benched for the 2-0 victory over Aston Villa.

Wenger, speaking on beIN Sports, expressed concern that Wirtz’s preferred role has come at the cost of Liverpool’s once fluid midfield.

“When Wirtz had the choice between going to Bayern Munich or to Liverpool. He said to Liverpool, ‘I [will] come to you if I play No10, I do not want to play wide’. Liverpool, to get him said, ‘Ok’,” Wenger said.

“So they start[ed] him [and] they destroyed their midfield because their midfield was [Ryan] Gravenberch, [Alexis] Mac Allister and [Dominik] Szoboszlai, [and] to play Wirtz they took Szoboszlai out.”

Midfield identity under scrutiny

The former Arsenal manager went further, suggesting that Slot’s early-season struggles stemmed from over-accommodating his new signing.

“What have they done against Aston Villa? They came back to their normal midfield of last year,” Wenger continued. “Tonight [against Real Madrid] they play[ed] Wirtz. I am sure the manager has said, ‘if you want to play again you have to play wide because I do not want to disturb the midfield’.”

Slot’s preference for balance and structure has been a hallmark of his Liverpool reign, guiding the club to the Premier League title last season. However, integrating a creative hub like Wirtz, who excels in central spaces, has forced tactical compromises.

Liverpool’s midfield trio of Gravenberch, Mac Allister and Szoboszlai had developed strong chemistry during the title-winning campaign, blending technical control with pressing intensity. The inclusion of Wirtz as a No10 disrupted that rhythm, leading to mixed performances early in the season.

Wirtz’s adjustment period

While his talent is undoubted, Wirtz’s transition to English football has highlighted the challenges foreign playmakers face in adapting to the Premier League’s pace and physicality. His recent appearance on the left flank against Madrid may indicate Slot’s desire to preserve his midfield structure while still finding room for his record signing.

Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Real Madrid lifted them to sixth in the Champions League table, marking consecutive European wins following a 5-1 triumph against Eintracht Frankfurt on matchday three. The result eased some pressure, but questions remain over how Slot will best use his attacking options in the months ahead.

Wenger’s comments reflect a wider debate among pundits and supporters about Liverpool’s evolving identity under Slot. The manager has shown tactical flexibility, but the process of blending established stars with high-profile additions continues to test the squad’s cohesion.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, Wenger’s remarks will no doubt sting, but they touch on a genuine issue. Wirtz is a gifted footballer, yet his best qualities may only shine once he fully adjusts to Slot’s high-pressing and possession-based system.

The early disruption to the midfield was perhaps inevitable when signing a player of such calibre and cost. Liverpool’s dominance last season was built on collective understanding and balance, so any change to that core was bound to attract scrutiny.

In the longer term, however, Wirtz’s vision and creativity could add an extra layer to Liverpool’s attack, especially once he finds his rhythm and confidence. Slot’s challenge is to ensure that adaptation happens without unsettling the midfield foundation that delivered the Premier League title.

For now, patience will be crucial, both from the manager and the fans.

Click here to read article