Arteta Raves About Liverpool Star Wirtz After Game-Changing Impact Off the Bench Against Burnley
Liverpool once again secured a dramatic late victory at Turf Moor, edging past Burnley 1-0 thanks to a stoppage-time penalty from Mohamed Salah. While Salah claimed the spotlight with the decisive goal, another figure quietly stole the show—and caught the attention of none other than Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. Arteta’s post-match comments raised eyebrows, questioning why Arne Slot continues to leave Florian Wirtz out of Liverpool’s starting XI.
Wirtz, starting on the bench for the third consecutive match, entered in the second half and immediately transformed the game. His intelligent movement, pinpoint vision, and creative passing consistently tore through Burnley’s defensive lines, generating the pressure Liverpool had been lacking all evening. Though Salah ultimately converted the penalty, it was Wirtz’s clever link-up play, space exploitation, and ability to draw defenders out of position that created the moments leading to the winning goal.
In a striking endorsement, Arteta openly praised the young German, saying:
“He’s special. You could see the difference in energy, control, and ideas once he stepped on. Players like that don’t come around often. If Liverpool don’t want him, they should let him go—I’d take him tomorrow.”
Such remarks from the manager of a direct Premier League rival have intensified scrutiny on Arne Slot. The Liverpool coach is already facing criticism from pundits and fans for his cautious approach to team selection. Jamie Carragher recently expressed frustration at Wirtz being sidelined, arguing that no manager should bench a talent of his caliber. Now, with Arteta weighing in, the spotlight on Slot has never been sharper.
Liverpool’s dominance in possession against Burnley—boasting over 80% control yet managing only three shots on target before Wirtz came on—underscores the growing debate. Fans have flooded social media, urging Slot to start Wirtz regularly, while others jokingly warn that Arsenal could swoop if Liverpool continue to undervalue him. One post encapsulated the sentiment:
“You don’t bench Wirtz, you build the team around him. Slot better wake up before someone else takes advantage.”
The key question remains: Is Wirtz being cautiously eased into Liverpool’s system, or is Slot genuinely hesitant to commit to him as a starter? Either way, rival managers clearly recognize his potential. After Burnley, one thing is evident—Florian Wirtz is far too talented to be warming the bench, and Liverpool risk underutilizing a player who could define their season.
