Liverpool’s £116 million summer signing Florian Wirtz has had a rocky start to life at Anfield. Despite his immense talent and proven pedigree at Bayer Leverkusen, the young German midfielder has yet to make a meaningful impact under Arne Slot. Now, Germany national team director Rudi Völler has weighed in on Wirtz’s difficult transition, highlighting the tactical and structural shifts that are hindering his performance.
A Quiet Start to Life at Anfield
After a blockbuster summer in which Liverpool spent around £450 million to bolster their squad, expectations were sky-high. While some of the new arrivals, like Hugo Ekitike, have made an instant impact, Wirtz has struggled to find his rhythm. In nine appearances across the Premier League and Champions League, the 20-year-old has managed just one assist—coming in the Community Shield—and has yet to register a goal.
Wirtz’s underwhelming start culminated in being dropped from the starting XI for Liverpool’s 2-1 loss to Chelsea, raising questions about his adaptation to English football and Arne Slot’s system.
Rudi Völler Breaks Down the Issue
Germany’s national team director Rudi Völler believes the root of Wirtz’s struggle lies not in his ability, but in how he’s being utilized compared to his time at Leverkusen. Speaking to Sky90, Völler explained that Wirtz was a focal point at his former club—always sought after in possession and relied upon to initiate attacking play.
“At Bayer Leverkusen, despite having talented teammates, Florian was the one everyone looked for on the ball,” Völler said. “Even as a young player, he was already the main man.”
Völler contrasted that with Liverpool’s current setup, where Wirtz is putting in significant work off the ball but not receiving it in the same manner. “He’s doing a lot of running, making sprints, going deep—but he isn’t being played into the game like he was used to at Leverkusen or with the national team.”
System Shift: A Numbers Game
The statistical comparison supports Völler’s claims. At Leverkusen, Wirtz averaged 73.4 touches per match, often receiving the ball in advanced positions on the left side of the pitch. With Liverpool, that number has dropped significantly to just 48.7 touches per game, and he’s collecting the ball much deeper in midfield—limiting his ability to create or influence play near the goal.
This shift not only affects his output but also forces him into unfamiliar responsibilities, disrupting the creative rhythm that made him one of Europe’s most exciting young midfielders.
No Panic from the Germany Camp
Despite the slow start, Völler remains confident in Wirtz’s ability to adapt. “Florian isn’t the kind of player who sulks if things don’t go his way. He has exceptional character, keeps running, keeps working,” Völler said. “His running stats are unbelievable. He will fight through this and make his mark.”
With time and tactical refinement, Liverpool may yet unlock the best version of Wirtz. For now, patience and proper integration seem to be the key.
