Arne Slot and the number 10 dilemma at Liverpool: Will Mac Allister or Szoboszlai replace Florian Wirtz?

Liverpool head into their match against West Ham United with a significant personnel challenge. Florian Wirtz's absence from Thursday's training session almost confirms that The Kop will be missing the "heart" of their game for the second consecutive match. After the experiment with Curtis Jones failed to deliver the expected results in the previous round, manager Arne Slot now faces a difficult dilemma: Who will be capable of filling the creative void left by the German player?

The absence of the Florian-Wirtz nucleus

Since the beginning of the year, Florian Wirtz has quickly established himself as the most important element in Arne Slot's tactical system. With his sharp tactical vision and ability to connect the lines, he is the key to unlocking attacking space for Liverpool. This gap was clearly exposed in the difficult away match against Nottingham Forest at City Ground.

In that match, the experiment of having Curtis Jones play as an attacking midfielder quickly backfired. Liverpool were completely outmatched by the opponent's physically strong midfield, and Jones failed to create the necessary link with the forwards. Against a West Ham side that possessed a highly physical style of play, Arne Slot understood that a similar personnel mistake could cost the team dearly.

Alexis Mac Allister: An innovative solution from an attacking position.

Although Dominik Szoboszlai is more familiar with the number 10 role, Alexis Mac Allister is emerging as a strong candidate. In fact, in the match against Forest, after noticing the deadlock, Slot pushed the Argentinian midfielder higher up the pitch, while pulling Szoboszlai deeper to help control the game. This adjustment immediately paid off, as Mac Allister scored the decisive goal that secured the three points.

Compared to his teammates, Mac Allister possesses a refined playing style, the ability to maneuver in tight spaces, and the necessary composure of a playmaker. Freeing him from purely defensive duties could help Liverpool maximize the technical qualities of the World Cup winner. Furthermore, pushing him further forward would also enhance their ability to score from outside the penalty area – a crucial weapon when facing West Ham's deep-lying defense.

Dominik Szoboszlai and his role as a perpetual motion machine.

Szoboszlai has long been considered the safest option whenever Wirtz is absent. However, in-depth analysis shows that Liverpool operates most smoothly when the Hungarian player acts as a source of energy in the central midfield area. His ability to cover the entire pitch and his tireless pressing are invaluable assets that help The Kop maintain control of the game.

If Szoboszlai is pushed up to play as a number 10, Liverpool could lose the steel and mobility in midfield. Conversely, when he plays deeper, he can provide cover for the central defenders and initiate attacks from afar. This tactical balance is perhaps why Arne Slot is carefully considering keeping Szoboszlai in central midfield rather than pushing him too close to the opponent's goal.

Although Wirtz's absence is a major blow, with the quality players at his disposal, manager Arne Slot can certainly find the optimal solution. Placing faith in Mac Allister's enthusiasm in the attacking midfield position, combined with Szoboszlai's strength behind him, could be the key to Liverpool securing all three points at Anfield.