Ray Houghton: Liverpool are missing 'No.10 magic'
Liverpool legend Ray Houghton suggests the club needs another creative playmaker as Florian Wirtz struggles to meet high expectations.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Author: Jeff Buck
In an era where superstar No.10s like Bruno Fernandes, Cole Palmer, and Rayan Cherki are thriving in the Premier League, there is growing debate over whether Liverpool are missing that specific brand of magic in their own midfield.
Former Reds star Ray Houghton believes the club would benefit from adding another creative option. "I think we could do with another one," Houghton said. "If you had two No.10s, you have more flexibility. These are the players who can be game-changers."
The spotlight has fallen on Florian Wirtz, who arrived at Anfield in the summer of 2025 with high expectations. After a modest debut season with seven goals and seven assists, he has struggled to find his rhythm, contributing only one assist in the early weeks of the 2026-27 campaign.
I think there are other aspects of Liverpool that will improve as the season goes on. This season they are playing with a bit more width, which should free up that central area for Florian Wirtz. But Florian has to show consistency now. When you come for a big price tag, you have to be playing well; otherwise, the fans will question why you aren't producing. Ray Houghton
The situation is compounded by the departure of Mohamed Salah and the injury absence of Hugo Ekitike, who is still recovering from an Achilles injury. While Liverpool remain unbeaten this season, the lack of a consistent creative spark may force the club to re-enter the transfer market if those currently on their books fail to scale the expected heights.