Liverpool has weakened their midfield by 'pampering' this player.

Legend Arsene Wenger thinks Liverpool has weakened their midfield by acquiring Florian Wirtz during the 2025 summer transfer period.

Former Arsenal legendary coach Arsene Wenger recently drew attention by stating that Liverpool has “destroyed their midfield” after signing Florian Wirtz. According to him, allowing Wirtz to play as the number 10 disrupted the previously stable midfield structure.

Speaking on beIN Sports, Wenger revealed: “Wirtz had the option between Bayern Munich and Liverpool. He told Liverpool: ‘I will join only if I can play as a number 10; I don’t want to be deployed on the wing.’ To secure Wirtz, Liverpool agreed to this demand. But this broke their midfield setup, which included Gravenberch, Mac Allister, and Szoboszlai.”

According to the French strategist, changing Florian Wirtz’s position forced the head coach to exclude Szoboszlai, a key element in Liverpool’s pressing system. “To make room for Wirtz, they had to leave Szoboszlai out. And when facing Aston Villa, they reverted to the familiar midfield trio from last season. Tonight, Wirtz returned to the lineup but had to play on the wing,” Wenger added.

The former Arsenal coach also pointed out that Liverpool’s coaching staff is struggling to balance Wirtz’s style with the team’s overall harmony. “Because the coach told Wirtz: ‘If you want to play, you have to operate on the flank, as I don’t want to disrupt the midfield.’ It will be interesting to see what happens next.”

Florian Wirtz was once a standout star at Bayer Leverkusen before moving to the Premier League. However, as Wenger suggests, placing him centrally might cause Liverpool to lose the flexibility that formed the foundation of their recent successful campaigns. Will trusting Wirtz help Liverpool advance, or will it become a tactical mistake that costs them dearly?

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