In a bold claim, iconic Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has accused Liverpool of compromising their formidable midfield to accommodate their high-profile summer acquisition, Florian Wirtz. The German international made the move from Bayer Leverkusen in a big-money transfer, reportedly on the condition that he plays in his preferred No 10 role.
Liverpool began the season in stellar form, triumphing in their first five Premier League outings. However, a spate of four consecutive defeats saw them relinquish their top position to Arsenal, who now sit seven points clear. Nevertheless, recent victories over Aston Villa and Real Madrid have rekindled hopes at Anfield.
Wenger, speaking on beIN Sports, criticised Liverpool’s midfield restructuring, suggesting that their commitment to fitting Wirtz into the No 10 position disrupted the existing harmony provided by Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai. Wenger remarked, “Liverpool accepted Wirtz’s terms, disrupting their midfield by sidelining Szoboszlai. It’s intriguing to see that they have reverted to last season’s lineup against Aston Villa.”
In response to Wenger’s remarks, Liverpool manager Arne Slot addressed questions about Wirtz after the Real Madrid match. Slot acknowledged the transitional challenges Wirtz faces, adjusting from the Bundesliga and emphasised the rigorous demands of the Premier League. He stated, “Wirtz has worked incredibly hard to adapt quickly, but consistency takes time, especially in this league where every game is fiercely competitive.”
Despite the early turbulence, Slot remains optimistic about Wirtz’s integration and long-term impact, reiterating the complexities players encounter when transitioning from different leagues. As Liverpool push forward in the season, the scrutiny on Wirtz’s role and performances will undoubtedly continue to capture the attention of supporters and pundits alike.
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