Reds closing in on Wirtz - so what now?

With Liverpool set to shatter their transfer record for Florian Wirtz, fans are overjoyed at the prospect of watching the diminutive playmaker represent the club.But what now?Wirtz plays in midfield...If Wirtz takes up a place in Arne Slot's midfield, someone has to miss out. It is unlikely to be Ryan Gravenberch given his rise into the anchoring role, which means Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister become vulnerable.Those two share similar stats, with Szobozslai creating more 'big' chances across the season, and serving up more goals and assists.Both are combative but Mac Allister outshines the Hungarian in this area. In 2024-25, Mac Allister won 48% of his duels to Szoboszlai's 43%. The Argentine was also more accurate with the ball when in the opposition half, completing 86% of his passes compared to 83% in the case of his midfield team-mate.So what do you value more? Creative output, or battling qualities and passing poise?It is remarkably close and in truth hard to imagine either missing out. Perhaps, if Wirtz is to play in midfield, he, Gravenberch, Mac Allister and Szobozslai will rotate based on fatigue and circumstance. Mac Allister's ability to also play in the anchoring role will add to the flexibility.Where do you think Wirtz will play if the transfer gets over the line? Tell us here
Wirtz plays as a false nine...Liverpool's wide areas are under lock and key. Mohamed Salah holds the right side, while Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo offer variety on the left - assuming they both stay. Diaz's sublime goal for Colombia against Argentina in this international window underlined the ingenuity he brings, while Gakpo - so often called to the touchline by Slot for the sharing of information - is invaluable in a multitude of ways.Last season, Gakpo made nine headed clearances - more than any player listed in the article - and his duel success at 51% comfortably outstrips those mentioned.Diaz, of course, has played centrally too, boosting the variety available to Slot.But is it indeed the centre-forward role where Wirtz will be deployed? A false nine position - dropping to receive passes, creating room for runs into central spaces for the likes of Salah, Gakpo and Diaz.It would be a style Kopites have seen before, when Roberto Firmino built his legacy by retreating from forward positions into areas where he could link play, thus allowing the relentless Salah and Sadio Mane to prosper from wider berths.The output of Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez perhaps points to the central-attacking area being the one where Liverpool lack a man in form.Slot's decision will be fascinating. The qualities of the players available to him once the Wirtz deal gets over the line lend themselves to flexibility and fluid changes of position.The expected Wirtz move has thrilled fans. The question now is from what area of the pitch he will he try to thrill them once wearing the red of Liverpool?How will Slot use Wirtz in his team if German joins? Have your say here

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