Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz Dilemma: Can Slot Unleash Isak & Ekitike?

Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz dilemma is at the heart of Arne Slot’s search for attacking balance, with former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke warning that the £116m summer signing is blocking the club’s path to a dynamic partnership between Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike.

Florian Wirtz Dilemma Looms Over Liverpool’s Attack

Liverpool’s squad underwent a major transformation this summer, most notably with the arrivals of Isak, Ekitike, and Wirtz. While the talent is undeniable, Arne Slot faces a complex tactical puzzle as he tries to mould his new-look attack into a cohesive unit. The issue? Florian Wirtz, a marquee arrival from the Bundesliga, has yet to fully adapt to the Premier League’s intensity and tempo, creating friction in the final third.

Dwight Yorke, speaking to Snabbare, believes Wirtz is currently standing in the way of Liverpool’s best tactical solution. While Ekitike has settled quickly and Isak is working through a disrupted pre-season, Wirtz’s creative flashes have often been offset by periods where he slows Liverpool’s attacks, causing the front line to lose its sharpness when all three feature together. Slot’s heavy rotation policy underscores the challenge of finding balance, with no clear starting trio emerging.

Can Isak & Ekitike Replicate Yorke and Cole’s Legendary Partnership?

Yorke draws on his experience partnering Andy Cole at Manchester United, suggesting that Liverpool have the personnel to emulate that legendary strike duo—if Slot chooses to play Isak and Ekitike together. “You need a healthy atmosphere, a competitive spirit where everyone fights for their place, but the team comes first,” Yorke explained, recalling how competition between himself, Cole, Teddy Sheringham, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer fueled United’s success.

For Yorke, the key is giving Isak and Ekitike the chance to build chemistry in-game. “Isak could be the nine, Ekitike can play wide. You won’t know if it works until you try it,” he said, referencing how his own partnership with Cole evolved through trial and a bit of managerial luck.

Wirtz’s Role: Asset or Obstacle?

The German international’s £116m price tag naturally brings expectation and pressure, both on the pitch and at the managerial level. Yorke points out that Wirtz’s style—more of a link player than an out-and-out striker—mirrors his own game at United, but that doesn’t guarantee seamless integration. Instead, it has led to congestion in central areas and a lack of fluency, especially when Slot tries to use all three attackers simultaneously.

This tactical gridlock has become more pronounced with recent injuries elsewhere in the squad, limiting Slot’s ability to rotate and increasing the urgency to find a sustainable attacking solution before the season’s decisive stages.

Liverpool’s Forward Line: Slot’s Tactical Options

With Liverpool’s supporters demanding results and a defined style, Slot stands at a crossroads. One option is to persist with Wirtz in a playmaking role, hoping he quickly adapts and finds consistency. The other is to heed Yorke’s advice and unleash Isak and Ekitike as a dedicated forward partnership, replicating the fluid, two-striker system that brought Yorke and Cole so much success.

Slot has so far hesitated to consistently pair Isak and Ekitike, likely due to the significant investment in Wirtz and the German’s potential. However, with Liverpool’s attack lacking rhythm and injuries forcing tactical flexibility, experimenting with new combinations could unlock the best from all three signings and reignite Liverpool’s pursuit of silverware.

Time for a Bold Tactical Call?

Yorke’s comments have added fuel to an already heated debate among Liverpool fans and pundits. The pressure is mounting for Slot to find an identity that gets the very best from his star forwards. Wirtz’s adaptation period will be watched closely, but the growing consensus is that risk-taking—perhaps in the form of an Isak-Ekitike strike partnership—could be exactly what Liverpool need.

Opinion: Slot Should Trust His Instincts

In my view, Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz dilemma isn’t just about one player’s adaptation but about finding the right blend of styles and personalities up front. Slot should not be afraid to trial Isak and Ekitike together, even if it means sacrificing Wirtz temporarily or redefining his role. The squad depth and attacking talent are there; it’s time for bold decisions to return Liverpool’s frontline to its devastating best. For more insights on Liverpool’s tactical evolution and the latest updates, visit for more news.