Quick Read
- Florian Wirtz started for Liverpool against Crystal Palace, playing out of his usual position.
- Liverpool lost 2-1 after tactical changes and late defensive errors.
- Wirtz has yet to score or assist in the Premier League since his £116 million move.
- Arne Slot’s tactical experiment failed in the first half, but improved after halftime.
- Fan reaction to Wirtz’s performance was largely negative, with calls for substitutes.
Liverpool’s Tactical Shake-Up Leaves Wirtz Searching for Answers
The scene was set at Selhurst Park for Liverpool’s latest Premier League test, but the afternoon quickly turned into another frustrating chapter for Florian Wirtz. Arne Slot, determined to outmaneuver a Crystal Palace side riding a 17-match unbeaten run, opted for a surprise tactical overhaul. Slot’s box midfield—deployed in a 4-2-2-2 shape—was meant to disrupt Palace’s rhythm. Instead, it led to Liverpool surrendering control in the opening 45 minutes. Palace dominated, posting 1.6 xG to Liverpool’s meager 0.38, and outshooting the Reds 10 to 6. By halftime, it was clear the experiment had backfired.
Slot acted decisively at the break, reverting to a more familiar setup. The shift sparked a noticeable improvement: Liverpool generated 1.87 xG and fired off 14 shots in the second half, nearly doubling Palace’s output. Yet, a defensive lapse in added time sealed a 2-1 defeat, leaving fans and pundits alike dissecting where it all went wrong. The manager’s willingness to adapt mid-game earned him some credit, but the first-half gamble cost Liverpool dearly.
Wirtz’s New Role Adds to the Uncertainty
For Florian Wirtz, the afternoon was a microcosm of his Liverpool tenure thus far. After a two-match break from the starting XI, Wirtz was restored to the lineup, but not in his favored position. Slot shifted him from his customary No.10 role to the left wing, hoping to spark the £116 million signing into life. The move, however, seemed to confuse both player and team. Wirtz drifted inside, vacating the flank and leaving Milos Kerkez to cover alone. The result? Liverpool’s left side looked exposed, while Wirtz struggled to assert himself.
Fan reaction was swift and unsparing. Social media lit up with frustration: “Who’s playing on the left? Because Wirtz isn’t staying there,” one supporter wrote. Another added, “The harsh reality is, we’re a better team without Wirtz at the moment.” The consensus was clear—Wirtz looked lost, and calls for substitutes like Federico Chiesa or Cody Gakpo grew louder as the match wore on.
The Weight of Expectations and the Adaptation Challenge
Wirtz’s struggles aren’t just about tactics. They reflect the broader challenge of adapting to England’s top flight—a league renowned for its pace, physicality, and relentless demands. Since his record-breaking move from Bayer Leverkusen, Wirtz has started five of Liverpool’s first six league matches, but the spark that defined his Bundesliga performances has been conspicuously absent. He remains without a goal or assist in competitive fixtures, and his output against Palace—two shots, one chance created, and a negligible 0.04 expected assists—did little to silence doubters.
The German midfielder himself acknowledged the difficulties in a candid interview with Sky Germany. “I recently talked to the coach about it, and he suggested why I might not be able to get into the situations I normally get into,” Wirtz said. Slot’s analysis pointed to Liverpool’s pressing game and the physical toll it exacts. “I need a lot of strength and energy for that, so when I have the ball I might be lacking a little bit,” Wirtz explained, admitting that recovery and adaptation will be gradual. “It will simply come step by step, as I play more games, get fitter, be able to do things more easily, and then, when I have the ball, be fit enough and recovered enough to push hard.”
Set-Piece Woes and Team Dynamics
While Wirtz’s individual journey draws attention, Liverpool’s collective issues were equally evident. Crystal Palace’s goals—one from a corner and another from a long throw—highlighted the Reds’ vulnerability on set-pieces, a recurring theme that threatens their title ambitions. Slot’s emphasis on “set-piece balance” has yet to translate into results, and the pressure mounts on new coaches Aaron Briggs and Lewis Mahoney to shore up defensive discipline.
In midfield, Adam Wharton’s standout performance for Palace offered a reminder of the kind of dynamism Liverpool crave. Wharton’s stats—three successful dribbles, four chances created, and dominance in ground duels—underscored his growing reputation. For Liverpool, the question is whether their current roster, with Wirtz still acclimating, can match the energy and creativity needed to compete at the highest level.
What Comes Next for Wirtz and Liverpool?
The spotlight on Wirtz is unlikely to dim any time soon. Big-money signings bring big expectations, and patience is often in short supply. As Liverpool search for answers—both tactically and in terms of personnel—the German midfielder’s adaptation remains one of the club’s defining storylines this season. The next few matches will be crucial, not only for Wirtz’s confidence but for the team’s ambitions in a fiercely competitive Premier League.
For now, Wirtz’s journey is a lesson in the complexities of elite football. Talent alone rarely suffices; it’s about fit, timing, and resilience. Whether he can turn the tide and justify his price tag is the question lingering in the minds of Liverpool supporters and neutrals alike.
Assessment: Florian Wirtz’s rocky start at Liverpool is a stark reminder of the challenges star players face when transitioning to new leagues and systems. Tactical missteps and positional uncertainty have hampered his impact, but his openness to adaptation suggests there is still time for redemption. The next chapters of his Premier League story will test both his resolve and Liverpool’s patience.