Some criticism has been OTT and a fee rising to £116m heightens demands but, yes, compared with his performances in Germany and for Germany Wirtz has underwhelmed at Liverpool. The past week has encapsulated his Liverpool career so far. In the Champions League rout of Lask he was everywhere, exploiting gaps between and behind the Austrian club’s defence and knitting together a dominant display against limited opposition.
In the previous game against Manchester City, however, when Andoni Iraola needed big players to step up in the absence of Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai, Wirtz was ineffective, wasteful and withdrawn when his team were chasing the game at 0-1. It also did not help his cause that Rayan Cherki, a cheaper alternative whom Liverpool considered and passed on, completed City’s victory with a sublime goal. AH The physicality and intensity of the Premier League appear to be Wirtz’s biggest issues.
He can be swamped, knocked aside, leaving Liverpool’s central midfield exposed. Iraola this week rejected the notion that the playmaker is struggling with English football, although his answer almost veered in support of the argument. Some games are more comfortable, with more time to think, sometimes less.
It’s not about the competition.” But, as Brentford are likely to demonstrate on Saturday, there is less time to think and little opportunity to get comfortable in the Premier League. Wirtz produced three assists in 11 Champions League games last season, the same amount as he did in 33 Premier League matches. His passing accuracy this season – from an admittedly small sample – is 80% in the Premier League and 91.5% in the Champions League.
AH That is a question that can be levelled at many of Liverpool’s signings since the 2025 title win. The shift towards acquiring expensive “finished products” has left many pining for the hunger and spirit of emerging talent that characterised the club’s re-emergence under Jürgen Klopp. Wirtz does not have an ego to match his price tag.
He is a conscientious, dedicated professional who Iraola, like Arne Slot before him, has found to be a good listener willing to put team instructions first. He is also, it seems easy to forget, only 23. Wirtz may not be a demonstrative force but he shows personality on the ball, always looking to receive it and take responsibility.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
