Tavolieri: Slot’s vision aligns with “the kind of player that Florian is” | OneFootball

Florian Wirtz to Liverpool: Central Talent with Wide Potential Under Arne Slot

In the latest episode of Media Matters on Anfield Index, Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri joined host Dave Davis to dissect the ongoing saga of Florian Wirtz’s potential move to Liverpool. Tavolieri, the journalist who first broke the news of the Reds’ interest, offered an incisive and fact-driven breakdown of why this deal makes so much sense—and why it may already be too far down the line to stop.

Tactical Versatility Key to Wirtz Decision

When asked directly about Wirtz’s best role within Arne Slot’s evolving setup, Tavolieri was unequivocal: “I never saw him better than in the centre of the game to be honest.” He went on to clarify that while the Germany international thrives in central areas, his positional fluidity will serve Liverpool well.

“He could play at the left, he could play in the centre,” Tavolieri said, but made it clear that “he won’t be a player fixed on one position.” This positional interchangeability is pivotal to Slot’s plans as the new manager begins to build a flexible system less predictable than Klopp’s.

Davis added context from Leverkusen’s usage of Wirtz under Xabi Alonso: “They’ve played a 3-4-2-1 almost and Wirtz has been one of the number 10s… off the left side.” Such roles may serve as a template for how Liverpool could deploy him in a fluid, modern setup.

Edwards and FSG Make Strategic Case for Wirtz

Tavolieri revealed the depth of planning that’s gone into Liverpool’s pursuit: “Michael Edwards made so much work… to convince FSG that he was the main player of the year.” This was not just about footballing talent. According to Tavolieri, there was a branding dimension to the move: “He said that Trent Alexander-Arnold made a deficiency in terms of image for Liverpool… they needed to make something even bigger.”

Wirtz, with his on-pitch excellence and marketing appeal, became that strategic solution.

Photo: IMAGO

Project Slot: Elevating Liverpool’s Tactical Identity

Slot’s arrival signals change, and Wirtz embodies the type of player to lead it. “The kind of play that Arne Slot wants to install fits with the kind of player that Florian is,” Tavolieri asserted. This approach involves “recentring the football and the domination of the team inside the game.”

Wirtz isn’t just a signing for squad depth. He is central—literally and symbolically—to Liverpool’s footballing identity going forward.

Summary: Wirtz at the Core of Slot’s Liverpool

This episode of Media Matters was no idle speculation. Tavolieri’s detailed insight shows a Liverpool leadership group with a clear blueprint—one in which Florian Wirtz is seen as the fulcrum. Whether from the middle of the pitch, or starting wide to drift in, he offers the tactical sophistication and ambition Slot demands.

The pursuit of Wirtz is not just a transfer. It is a statement of intent. As Tavolieri summarised, “You cannot expect to have a better player inside the midfield to be honest.”