The Needle
Is Florian Wirtz starting to hum?
When Liverpool signed Florian Wirtz last year, I hyped him up quite a lot on this Substack. Indeed, I remember tweeting that nobody better would change clubs in that summer window. He was the marquee guy. The big-ticket item.
Now, it’s probably fair to suggest that he hasn’t quite lived up to that billing just yet. Plenty of supporters have been found wanting when watching Wirtz this term, myself included.
After 21 starts and 25 appearances in the Premier League, he’s on a combined total of six goals and assists. Not bad, but not quite £100m, either. Wirtz has endured an adjustment period over the past six months, just like the rest of his teammates.
The Reds have been navigating a period of transition under Arne Slot. It happens. But more and more often of late, Wirtz is showing his best face. His best qualities. We’re seeing signs of things to come.
So I’ve got tons of thoughts on Wirtz. Long-term subscribers will have realised that last summer. He’s very unique, and shines brightest when those around him have established a foothold over proceedings.
Xabi Alonso benefited him in that sense. When in charge of Bayer Leverkusen, the ex-Liverpool star installed a patient possession game. He was fearful of transitions. It was all about five-yard passes. Very Pep Guardiola in many ways. And as a result, Wirtz got his fair share of touches. Enough to last a lifetime.
In fact, he averaged over 80 touches per 90 (!!) in each of his two seasons under Alonso, which is kinda insane for a player who primarily operates close to goal.
Below, purely for the sake of comparison, I’ve used last season’s numbers to group him alongside a select few random players of a similar ilk. He was a real magnet for Leverkusen.
But when the German arrived at Anfield, Liverpool struggled to present him with the same platform. Rather than dominating their opponents, the Reds started the campaign by playing a form of basketball. And for what felt like the first three months of the season, Slot essentially engaged in a game of Next Goal Wins.
It was nuts. The Premier League seemed to go back in time almost overnight, too, suddenly embracing long balls, long throws and set-pieces. You’d think Sam Allardyce had just inspired his peers by winning the Champions League.
With Slot integrating four new starters into his team, the division undergoing a surprise tactical shift, and Wirtz getting to grips with new surroundings, it was a recipe for disaster.
Things have changed of late. Wirtz isn’t flying by any means just yet — and neither are Liverpool — but I’d argue his impact is growing. And the Reds are now better positioned to absorb his creative ways without suffering as much on the defensive end.
Against Sunderland during the week, Wirtz was excellent. He posted 81 touches, which was more than any other player on the pitch — including Virgil van Dijk — and he also ranked top for shots, posting five.
Do you know how crazy it is for a number ten to accumulate more touches than both of his centre-back teammates? Most touches and most shots is an insane combination. Bananas. So uncommon.
