Overview
- Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Real Madrid featured Wirtz starting on the left wing, drawing warm applause when substituted in the 88th minute after a more dynamic display.
- Wenger told beIN SPORTS that Wirtz agreed to join only if he played as a No.10 and argued that accommodating him centrally damaged a midfield previously built around Gravenberch, Mac Allister and Szoboszlai.
- Arne Slot publicly backed the 22-year-old, saying he has delivered as expected and needs time to adjust to the Premier League’s intensity and rhythm.
- Didi Hamann urged Wirtz to assert himself, noting Liverpool’s best recent league outings came when he did not start, as the attacker remains without a Premier League goal contribution and has only a handful of assists overall.
- Reports differ on the transfer fee, ranging from about €125 million to more than €140 million, while Wirtz’s father said Slot’s tactical presentation was decisive and analysts cite Liverpool’s wider transition and off-field strain as factors in his adaptation.