Former Liverpool midfielder Don Hutchison has warned the club to resolve the Florian Wirtz situation by January, insisting the German international has already had more than enough time to settle and must start producing at the level his ability demands.
Hutchison, speaking on behalf of betTOM, was full of praise about Andoni Iraola’s start at Anfield, but suggested the midfield could be a problem area deeper into the season.
The 55-year-old’s criticism centred on their £116.5million signing, who he believes has not done enough to prove his worth at Anfield so far.
“He can only really play as a No.10, but that creates an issue because it moves Dominik Szoboszlai away from his best position,” Hutchison said.
“Liverpool could eventually bring in a proper No.6 and play two holding midfielders, allowing Szoboszlai to be the No.10. Then Wirtz has to prove he deserves to stay in the side.
“I would wait until January. By then, he will have had around 18 months at the club, which is ample time. I do not believe it should take a player with a good football brain more than a few weeks to settle, never mind a year and a half.
“When you watch old clips of Philippe Coutinho at Liverpool, you see the level Wirtz should be reaching.”
Arsenal to pull away in title race
Hutchinson is not convinced Liverpool can compete for the Premier League crown they won in 2025. Instead, he is expecting Arsenal to pull away further down the line.
“I never really considered Liverpool title contenders this season because Arsenal were so good last year, and Manchester City have had a very strong transfer window,” he said.
“Arsenal look the best side by far. They are strong all over the pitch, rarely allow opponents a shot, do not concede many goals and score freely. David Raya, Gabriel and Declan Rice are perhaps their three most important players, but Arsenal have quality replacements across the team. I can see Arsenal pulling away, although City’s summer business has narrowed the gap.”
For Liverpool, Hutchison pointed to the Champions League as the more meaningful measure of progress this term.
“A trophy, a top-four or top-five finish, Champions League qualification and a competitive European run would represent a good season.
“They need to show they can beat teams such as Atletico Madrid and perhaps Real Madrid, but if they go out to PSG or another elite side, it would not be a disaster.”
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