Liverpool 2-0 West Ham: Wirtz shines in the number 10 role.

Liverpool's 2-0 victory over West Ham United culminated in a crucial discovery: Florian Wirtz, playing as a free-roaming number 10, dictated the tempo and orchestrated the attack as the team had hoped. After 75 minutes, Wirtz had a 93% pass accuracy rate, becoming a creative anchor in midfield despite not scoring or providing direct assists.

The match opened up for Liverpool with a clever pass.

At London Stadium, Wirtz's influence extended far beyond that of a pure attacking player. Alexander Isak's opening goal came from a through pass by Wirtz to Cody Gakpo, before Gakpo assisted Isak's finish. This situation most clearly illustrates Wirtz's role as a "leader": receiving the ball in half-space, turning, and threading a through pass.

The free number 10: the solution to structure and rhythm.

Positioned to operate in the spaces between the midfield and attack, Wirtz connected the midfield with the attack, helping Liverpool maintain pressure and attacking rhythm against West Ham's solid defense. Previously, many argued that the creative void left by Alexander-Arnold needed to be filled in midfield rather than at right-back. In that context, Wirtz's ability to read the game and link up play proved to be a practical solution.

The numbers speak for themselves.

• After 75 minutes of play, the pass accuracy rate was 93%.
• He received a rating of 7.2 despite not scoring or assisting any goals.
• With 52 touches, he established a foundation for Liverpool to control the tempo of the game.
• A 60% success rate in ground engagements demonstrates a willingness to engage when necessary.

Tactical perspective: from space to rhythm

Wirtz's versatility in the number 10 role allows him to constantly be present in the "hot zone" between the two lines, receiving the ball in advantageous positions and creating opportunities for the strikers. It is his ability to distribute and control the ball in the final third that helps The Kop balance their structure, thereby maintaining continuous pressure.

Response and comments

Following the match, the effectiveness of this choice received strong support from fans. KloppitE wrote: “Wirtz starting in place of Salah was the headline. And giving him a more free-roaming number 10 role… worked incredibly well. He was everywhere on the pitch…” Another comment from John O’Sullivan stated: “Florian Wirtz is the smoothest Liverpool player since Thiago Alcantara.”

The significance of Arne Slot for Liverpool

Although Wirtz needs more time to build a stronger link with Isak, the 75 minutes against West Ham provided convincing evidence of a new creative attacking threat. By setting the tempo, breaking down defenses with creative passes, and acting as a link in the play, Wirtz offers a long-term solution to The Kop's build-up play. The 2-0 victory is not just the score; it's confirmation that Liverpool have found the true Florian Wirtz.