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1 month ago
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In a dramatic move that's sent shockwaves through Merseyside, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has benched his record-breaking £116m summer signing Florian Wirtz for the crucial Premier League clash against Chelsea on October 4, 2025. The 22-year-old German star, poached from Bayer Leverkusen, has failed to score or assist in his first six league appearances, drawing fierce criticism from fans and legends alike. This unprecedented decision reveals the mounting pressure on Slot to restore balance to a team in transition.
Arne Slot's Bold Tactical Shift Under Fire
Arne Slot's arrival at Anfield has ushered in a new era of fluid rotations and central progression, inspired by his successful Feyenoord days. However, the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right flank has exposed vulnerabilities, with Wirtz struggling to adapt to the high-octane Premier League intensity. A tactical analysis from BBC Sport highlights how Wirtz's role in Slot's system—demanding quick, intricate passes through the middle—has yet to click, leading to an underwhelming start in his first nine outings overall.
"He's a top player and I'm sure he will get better - but he's had a slow start and I think there's no denying that," said former England striker Wayne Rooney.
Rooney's comments echo growing concerns that the hefty price tag is disrupting Liverpool's harmony, a sentiment amplified by the loss of key defensive structure.
Pundit Pressure Forces Slot's Hand
Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher didn't hold back after the Reds' midweek Champions League defeat to Galatasaray, urging Slot to sideline the out-of-form ace. "Right now I don't think the balance of the team is right and the obvious one that stands out is Florian Wirtz," Carragher declared on CBS. "He's just not at the races at all. He's a young boy coming into a new league - he has got plenty of time to go as Liverpool player but right now I think he needs to come out of the team."
Slot heeded the call, opting for a reset that reverts to last season's more familiar setup. This exclusive insight into the Dutch tactician's decision underscores the challenges of integrating high-profile talents into a squad evolving under his vision.
The Weight of That €125M Price Tag
The Guardian's Barney Ronay breaks down the "objectively weird" burden of Wirtz's transfer fee, now ballooned to €125m including add-ons—a British record. At this cost, there's little room for teething issues; a cheaper signing might have allowed patient development, but Wirtz faces the brightest spotlight in Liverpool's high-stakes environment. Comparisons to past big-money flops abound, with Ronay noting that most transfers over £80m rarely deliver immediate magic.
Yet, Wirtz's undeniable talent—showcased in his Leverkusen glory—suggests redemption is possible. Slot's gamble could pay off if he refines the German's positioning, perhaps easing him back in upcoming fixtures. As Liverpool chase the title, this benching marks a pivotal moment in Arne Slot's reign, testing his resolve against the roar of Anfield expectations.
