Florian Wirtz’s Liverpool Move: A Tough Premier League Start, but Star Quality Endures

Florian Wirtz’s Premier League journey began with high expectations as the German international opted to join Liverpool over Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and even a potential move to Real Madrid. But as the new season unfolds, questions linger about whether Wirtz made the best decision for his development and immediate impact in English football.

Why Florian Wirtz Chose Liverpool Over Manchester City

The decision for Florian Wirtz to join Liverpool was influenced by multiple factors. Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro revealed that Wirtz would have preferred following Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid, but the Spanish club’s transfer policy, led by Florentino Perez, left that door closed. With Real off the table, Wirtz was courted by Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool.

What tipped the scales in Liverpool’s favor was manager Arne Slot’s vision. Slot presented Wirtz with a detailed plan placing him at the heart of Liverpool’s attacking play, promising the central No.10 role in a system built for his creativity. The Anfield atmosphere, world-class facilities, and the chance to be part of a historic club fresh off a record-making title win further convinced the German to make Merseyside his new home.

Early Struggles in the Premier League for Florian Wirtz

Despite the excitement, Wirtz’s adaptation to the Premier League has been challenging. Starting Liverpool’s first four league games in his favored attacking midfield position, he failed to directly contribute to any goals. This led to growing scrutiny over his £100 million price tag, with pundits and fans questioning his fit in Slot’s dynamic system.

Wayne Rooney, speaking on his BBC podcast, argued that Wirtz’s inclusion disrupted Liverpool’s balance, suggesting he might not suit the 4-3-3 formation. With Hungarian midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai excelling—scoring crucial goals and registering more assists than Wirtz—Slot has increasingly favored Liverpool’s established trio of Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, and Alexis Mac Allister in the midfield, relegating Wirtz to the bench in key fixtures.

Did Florian Wirtz Make the Wrong Choice?

The debate over Wirtz’s Liverpool move intensifies when comparing his situation to what might have awaited him at Manchester City. Pep Guardiola reportedly identified Wirtz as the ideal successor to Kevin De Bruyne. At City, Wirtz could have slotted into one of the attacking midfield roles in Guardiola’s 4-1-4-1 system, potentially making his Premier League adaptation smoother.

City’s alternative signing, Rayan Cherki, has enjoyed a more productive start, already boasting eight direct goal involvements. Liverpool had also considered Cherki, raising further questions about whether the Reds’ investment in Wirtz was the best value.

Wirtz’s Quality Beyond the Numbers

Despite disappointment over his immediate impact, former City and Germany midfielder Ilkay Gundogan defended Wirtz, emphasizing that his transfer fee does not define his quality. Danny Murphy, ex-Liverpool stalwart, echoed these sentiments, highlighting Wirtz’s creativity and chance creation—even if Liverpool’s forwards have failed to convert his opportunities.

Wirtz’s most influential performances have come in the Champions League, where no player has created more chances (16) so far. In Liverpool’s recent triumph over Madrid, Wirtz led both in creating opportunities and winning possession in advanced areas, showcasing the pressing and vision that made him a top target for Europe’s elite. For more news on player transfers and football analysis, visit for more news.

Future Prospects: Room for Florian Wirtz to Shine

There’s no denying that Wirtz’s slow Premier League start is concerning. He hasn’t started Liverpool’s standout games against Everton and Aston Villa, and when he does feature, it’s often out wide rather than his preferred central role. The presence of Mohamed Salah and tactical constraints mean Wirtz might need to wait for a system reshuffle or squad changes to truly thrive.

Despite these setbacks, there is widespread belief within the game that Wirtz’s class will ultimately prevail. As Xabi Alonso recently stated, it’s just a matter of time before Wirtz’s superstar potential materializes at Anfield. Dimitar Berbatov and other pundits remain confident that with patience, Wirtz will adapt and become central to Liverpool’s future success.

Opinion: Wirtz’s Liverpool Gamble Still Holds Promise

While Florian Wirtz’s Liverpool move has not yielded instant results, it’s too early to label it a misstep. The Premier League’s intensity, tactical demands, and competition for places were always going to present challenges. Nevertheless, Wirtz’s underlying numbers and work rate suggest he can still become an integral part of Arne Slot’s long-term plans. With his technical brilliance and creativity, it would be premature to count Wirtz out. Time and patience may yet turn this bold transfer into a masterstroke.