Florian Wirtz's Struggles at Liverpool: An Analysis

Florian Wirtz's initial nine appearances for Liverpool have largely been deemed disappointing, with many analysts reaching a similar conclusion.

Some critics have gone further, including former England striker Wayne Rooney, who stated that the £116 million signing "damages the balance" of Liverpool's squad.

"He’s a top player and I’m sure he will improve, but it’s undeniable that he has had a slow start," Rooney commented.

Wirtz has yet to score or provide an assist for his new club, but does this truly reflect his overall performance?

This analysis explores Wirtz's contributions, the reasons behind his underwhelming start, and how Liverpool can maximize his potential.

Liverpool's Evolving Style and Wirtz's Role

Liverpool's team dynamics seem unsettled as they navigate a transitional phase.

Manager Arne Slot has implemented a new tactical approach this season, which has raised questions following the absence of right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Adopting a strategy reminiscent of Slot's Feyenoord, Liverpool aims for greater player rotations, focusing on quick, intricate play through the center of the pitch.

This shift positions Wirtz as a crucial central attacking player to connect the team's efforts.

However, he has been tasked with a role that diverges from his strengths, limiting his opportunities to score or assist.

While he may not be excelling in this less-than-ideal position, he has not performed poorly either.

Wirtz Receiving the Ball Deeper

Wirtz is frequently receiving the ball in deeper positions.

Alexander-Arnold was known for his ability to deliver precise passes from deep, a quality Liverpool currently lacks.

Captain Virgil van Dijk’s long passes to forward Mohamed Salah have been a reliable method of advancing the ball, but the team struggles to find teammates upfield due to insufficient passing quality from the back.

At times, Wirtz has taken on the responsibility of dropping deep to collect the ball, turning to advance it upfield. While his technical skills allow him to execute this, it reduces his time spent near the opponent's goal.

If another player could assume some of these build-up duties, it would enable Wirtz to position himself higher on the pitch.

Curtis Jones could fulfill this role, either in a double pivot or on the left wing, offering a potential solution for Slot to better align with Wirtz’s natural playing style.

Wirtz Thrives in Space, Similar to Grealish

One of the significant challenges Wirtz faces in the Premier League is the reduced space and increased intensity of defensive pressure.

Positioned centrally against compact defenses like Crystal Palace, Wirtz has experienced limited time and space to operate.

During his tenure at Bayer Leverkusen, Wirtz often found himself on the left wing, waiting for teammates to advance the ball before receiving it.

Alternatively, he would occupy central attacking midfield roles, especially against teams that provided more space in transitional scenarios.

Former Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso effectively utilized Wirtz in these situations, allowing him to receive the ball with separation from defenders, enabling him to drive forward.

To maximize Wirtz’s impact, it is crucial to provide him with the ball when he is not under immediate pressure.

When he can receive the ball on the half-turn and advance with space, he can exploit his agility and speed to disrupt opposing defenses.

Like Everton's Jack Grealish, Wirtz excels when he is driving at defenders, making his best contributions during transitional play.

To create separation, positioning him on the left flank or finding him early in midfield can be effective strategies. When he is situated between the lines, particularly against a stretched defensive formation, teammates must deliver direct passes to him.

Wirtz's Work Rate May Be a Hindrance

The Premier League's demanding pace has tactical implications, impacting players on an individual level as well. Wirtz appears to be still adapting to this intensity.

Under Slot's fast-paced and rotation-focused attack, Liverpool is vulnerable to counter-attacks, often leaving fewer players behind the ball. This scenario requires attackers like Wirtz to engage in counter-pressing with vigor when possession is lost.

Wirtz has fully embraced the out-of-possession strategies, pressing intensely and contributing to build-up play while also being encouraged to participate in attacks from both sides.

However, this high level of physical demand may lead to fatigue, which could explain some of his less effective actions on the ball. Among players who have played over 400 minutes in the Premier League this season, he ranks fifth in distance covered per 90 minutes and leads all Liverpool players.

How Physical Demands Impact Technique

In a recent interview with Sky Sports Germany, Wirtz discussed the discrepancies between his performances this season compared to last.

He mentioned that Slot had suggested, "It could be because we press a lot and I run a lot." Wirtz elaborated, "For instance, my running stats are always at the top because I strive to push hard and follow the coach's instructions. This requires significant strength and energy. When I have the ball, I might lack a bit of that energy, but I believe that will improve as I play more games, get fitter, and recover better, allowing me to play more effectively when in possession."

At Leverkusen, there were instances when Wirtz would pace himself, conserving energy for decisive bursts of speed.

As his physical condition improves, so too will his performance, but energy management is crucial for making effective runs and accurate passes in the latter stages of matches.

Pairing him with industrious midfielders like Dominik Szoboszlai could be advantageous for both Wirtz and the team.

What Lies Ahead for Liverpool and Wirtz?

These potential adjustments aim to place Wirtz in scenarios that closely align with those he thrived in at Leverkusen.

Slot may be hoping that Wirtz and his teammates will gradually develop the chemistry necessary to realize his tactical vision.

While it takes time for players to acclimatize to a new environment, high-profile signings often face added pressure to perform immediately.

Florian Wirtz's Struggles at Liverpool: An Analysis

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