Klopp must choose: Wirtz in central role as Musiala’s injury looms
Florian Wirtz is being urged to cement a central offensive role for Germany as Jamal Musiala’s injury threatens his place in the national team, according to photographer Sebastian Widmann’s recent commentary. The 23‑year‑old Musiala, who was set to confirm his rising form in the DFB squad, suffered a knock before the opening match against the Netherlands and is expected to miss several Bayern Munich games.
Musiala’s injury reshapes midfield options
Widmann notes that the international break could not have proceeded without Musiala’s setback. With the Bayern star sidelined, his regular ten‑man role in the national side is now in jeopardy, opening space for Wirtz. The German midfielder delivered a dominant performance against Serbia, signalling his readiness for the central slot.
Klopp’s tactical dilemma
Jürgen Klopp is now tasked with a clear decision: grant Wirtz full confidence in a central offensive position and cease deploying him on the wing. The Liverpool‑trained player thrives in the centre, where his technique, creativity and decision‑making shine, unlike in a 4‑2‑3‑1 wing role.
Historically, the national team has often forced Wirtz onto the flank because Ilkay Gündogan and later Musiala occupied the ten‑man spot. With Musiala’s recent injury, the argument for keeping Wirtz centrally strengthens, and there are no current reasons to revert him to the wing.
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Musiala, despite being a Bayern star, has never been a traditional number ten. His game relies more on dribbling and direct runs than on passing or creative playmaking. When operating from the wing, he finds more space and faces fewer defenders, a factor that could influence Klopp’s selection if Musiala returns to full fitness.
Should Musiala recover physically, Klopp could still place him on the wing without compromising the team’s balance, as modern football rarely features static wide forwards. The width is typically supplied by full‑backs, a pattern consistent with Klopp’s philosophy.
In summary, the injury to Musiala not only threatens his club contributions at Bayern but also endangers his midfield berth for Germany, while Wirtz’s recent form makes a compelling case for a permanent central role under Klopp’s guidance.