Wirtz’s Journey: From Disappointment to Prominence at Liverpool

In the aftermath of Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad, which effectively ended their title defense after just 11 matches, concerns arose about several players, notably Florian Wirtz. Although Arne Slot’s side may have felt aggrieved by Virgil van Dijk’s disallowed equalizer, the overall performance was disappointing and highlighted the team’s struggles.

Gary Neville expressed particular concern over Wirtz’s contributions during the match, pointing out that the high-profile signing managed only two shots, neither of which were on target, and failed to create any chances. Alarmingly, Wirtz touched the ball fewer times than the stand-in goalkeeper, Giorgi Mamardashvili, indicating a lack of impact from a player valued at £100 million.

“Wirtz is a problem,” Neville stated on his Sky Sports podcast. “It’s an issue. We have been hesitant to address his performance because of his youth and transition into a new country. However, with a price tag over £100 million, he must step up. While he possesses exceptional technical skills, he has not effectively utilized his talents on the pitch, raising significant concerns regarding his performance.”

Neville also noted that Wirtz appeared physically unfit for the demands of the English Premier League. His best performances had come in European competitions rather than domestically, suggesting a struggle to adapt to the league’s intensity. Former Manchester United player Wayne Rooney echoed these sentiments, arguing that Wirtz may not be the ideal fit for Liverpool’s system, calling into question his role in the team’s 4-3-3 formation.

Despite the crushing defeats to Nottingham Forest and PSV, which showcased defensive vulnerabilities, it became evident that Wirtz alone was not to blame for Liverpool’s struggles. In response to poor results, Slot opted for a more cautious game plan, temporarily moving Wirtz back to the left wing instead of his preferred No. 10 role. As Christmas approached, Wirtz began to benefit from a specialized fitness program aimed at enhancing his physicality and stamina.

On December 3, Wirtz completed a full 90 minutes in a Premier League match for the first time, and his late deflected shot prevented an embarrassing home loss to Sunderland. By the new year, he had established himself as a crucial player, gaining comparisons with Liverpool icon Peter Beardsley for his ability to maneuver between defenses and contribute to both goal creation and scoring.

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy maintained that Wirtz’s initial statistics were misleading. “He may not have started as strongly as hoped, but he has been somewhat unlucky, creating numerous opportunities that went unconverted,” he explained.

Since his assist for Alexander Isak in the December 20 match against Tottenham, Wirtz’s performance has surged, culminating in his first Liverpool goal against Wolves, which served as a significant confidence booster.

“It was a relief for him,” Slot remarked after the goal, acknowledging the importance of scoring in football. “Scoring is what players are judged on, but Wirtz has shown consistent improvement each match and is now closer to his first goal, which was no surprise.”

Slot’s observations proved accurate. Following a first-time finish assisted by Mohamed Salah in a recent 4-1 victory over Newcastle, Wirtz has now netted six goals in his last ten appearances, forming an impressive partnership with striker Hugo Ekitike, leading the Premier League in combined goals.

As a result, Wirtz is now transforming skeptics into believers, including Jamie Carragher, who previously questioned his ability to adapt to the Premier League. “Typically, top foreign signings hit the ground running, and it has been uncommon for players to take a year to adjust,” Carragher noted in October. Yet, Wirtz has managed to find his form.

Although he faced challenges early in the season, Wirtz has now established himself as a pivotal player. His recent performances, which included both scoring and assisting in a standout display against Newcastle, drew comparisons to legendary playmakers like Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva.

Carragher remarked on Sky Sports, “Wirtz possesses unique qualities that suggest he is capable of reaching the heights of the league’s greats. The Premier League has lost De Bruyne, but we have gained Wirtz.”

While Manchester City fans may dispute such claims, Wirtz’s transformation is undeniable, offering insight into why Pep Guardiola sought him as a replacement for De Bruyne last summer. The anticipation is high as Liverpool prepares for their next encounter, with Wirtz shedding his initial struggles to emerge as a formidable talent.