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 Iraolas start at Anfield, but suggested the midfield could be a problem area deeper into the season.The 55-year-olds 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 raceHutchinson 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 Citys 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. Topics Arsenal F.C. Florian Wirtz Liverpool F.C. Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read EFL Cup draw: Liverpool get Chelsea while Fleetwood bank glamour fourth-round tie Tom Rostance 16th September, 2026 Arteta hails unbelievable Dowman after Arsenal star bags brace in EFL Cup Mitch Fretton 16th September, 2026 Iraola hails Szoboszlai after rocket seals Liverpools win over Tottenham Mitch Fretton 16th September, 2026 Liverpool 3-1 Tottenham: Szoboszlai stunner sends Reds into last 16 Nicholas McGee 15th September, 2026 Ipswich 2-4 Arsenal: Dowman at the double as Gunners ease into fourth round Nicholas McGee 15th September, 2026 Liverpool v Tottenham LIVE: Can Reds bounce back at Anfield after weekend bore draw? Jon Fisher 15th September, 2026
