Florian Wirtz arrived at Liverpool as one of world football's most coveted talents, but more than a year into his time on Merseyside, the German playmaker has yet to justify the £116m investment or consistently demonstrate the form that made him a target for Bayern Munich and Manchester City.
Since the 2024-25 season ended, when Arne Slot's side pursued Wirtz as their primary attacking midfield target ahead of alternative candidate Rayan Cherki, the 23-year-old has managed seven goals and 11 assists across 56 appearances for the Reds. This term, under new manager Andoni Iraola, Wirtz has started every league and Champions League fixture but has produced just one assist in seven matches, with no goal involvements against any of the Premier League's top-10 sides last season.
His struggles came into sharp focus on Sunday when Iraola substituted him in the 66th minute during Manchester City's 3-0 victory at Anfield, shortly after Ryan Gravenberch's red card and Erling Haaland's opening goal. The timing of the withdrawal, combined with Wirtz's inability to create or score when it mattered most, has intensified debate about whether the playmaker should be dropped from the starting XI.
How does Wirtz compare to his alternatives?
The contrast with Rayan Cherki, Liverpool's secondary target who instead joined Manchester City, has become impossible to ignore. Cherki, also 23, cost less than a third of Wirtz's fee at £30m and has already accumulated 16 goals and 18 assists in 65 City appearances since his June 2025 move from Lyon. The French attacker has demonstrated a knack for delivering game-changing moments—exemplified by his composed finish in City's dominant display at Anfield—a consistency Liverpool supporters have rarely witnessed from Wirtz.
What are the specific criticisms of his play?
Former Liverpool defender Steven Warnock articulated the frustration many observers feel.
Wirtz has so much ability. I wish I had that ability because he just glides. He makes it look effortless - but he doesn't hurt teams. He doesn't impact the game enough. He drifts in and out of games. He's here for 10 or 20 seconds and then he disappears for five or 10 minutes and you think where is he now?
Warnock's assessment, delivered to BBC Radio 5 Live, captures a recurring theme: Wirtz possesses undeniable technical quality but fails to translate it into decisive contributions. According to analysis from the Monday Night Club, observers have noted little tangible progress with Wirtz, with Chris Sutton questioning what distinctive attributes he brings beyond his technical ability, noting he is not a prolific dribbler, frequent shooter, or runner in behind.
Jamie Carragher went further after the City defeat, calling for Wirtz's removal from the team.
I think he needs to come out of the team, I said that last time out and I'm going to say it again. Liverpool played well for a lot of the game before the Gravenberch red card but they didn't create a chance, so they have a real problem with scoring goals and creating chances and that's what you got Wirtz for. He's not giving you anything defensively and he's not giving you anything going the other way. I don't want anyone to pile in on the lad but I think we're justified in saying we need more and we can't wait.
Against City, Wirtz had a telling opportunity at 0-0 when he fired wide despite having Bradley Barcola and Milos Kerkez in space to his left—a poor decision from a player visibly searching for a breakthrough moment.
Why might Iraola be reluctant to drop him?
Dropping Wirtz would represent a significant call given that Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai are all currently sidelined. With Liverpool facing two matches per week until the November international break, Iraola faces a fixture congestion that limits his options. Following Gravenberch's suspension for Saturday's trip to Brentford, the manager is likely to keep the Dutch midfielder available for Wednesday's Champions League fixture against LASK in Austria while giving Trey Nyoni a starting opportunity, with further changes expected from Sunday's defeat.
Iraola has publicly defended his player, suggesting that Wirtz has delivered solid performances this season despite Sunday's below-par display.
The other day, he probably he didn't have his best game but he has had good games with us this season. Everyone starts looking for answers. He had some good performances in the national team - he scored one goal and he will have better or worse games. But I would like to look at it more collectively and more how they help us play and get results and after that I don't care who scores. I think it's a more collective thing.
What evidence exists of Wirtz's quality?
Wirtz's performances for Germany under Jurgen Klopp serve as a reminder of why he was pursued so aggressively. Klopp has recently defended the playmaker, stating:
Attacking players always need a functioning team that works well around them. Anyone who loves football can still see how outstanding Florian is as a player.
Steven Gerrard shares this view, telling The Overlap:
I can just picture him beating himself up on how his Liverpool thing has started. This kid is a major talent in my opinion. I've seen enough to believe and give him a chance. I think he needs help and support now.
Statistically, Wirtz created 95 chances from open play across all competitions last season—at least 27 more than any other Liverpool player. His fizzing pass for Victor Munoz's equaliser against Nottingham Forest in August provided a glimpse of his creative class, though such moments have been sparse. His best performance this season came in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid, where he was unlucky not to register an assist when Barcola fired wide.
What is Wirtz's own assessment of his situation?
In August, Wirtz spoke candidly about feeling
more readyfor his second season at Anfield, emphasizing that the physical demands of Premier League football had been a key learning curve during his first campaign.
I definitely learned a lot. I just learned how Premier League football is played and I think I am more ready for my second season because I know how it is now. I am really excited for my next season.
He impressed during pre-season, but two months into the new campaign, Wirtz must begin delivering tangible results. According to StatMuse records, he has managed no Premier League goals and one assist across six league appearances this season, with 65 minutes played in the 0-3 loss to Manchester City on 11 October.
What does the future hold?
A report published on 12 October indicated that Wirtz would have three years remaining on his Liverpool contract next summer, with Bayern Munich among clubs monitoring his situation. Any potential sale would likely depend on Liverpool securing a replacement.
Liverpool face LASK Linz away in the Champions League on 14 October, followed by Brentford away in the Premier League on 17 October. These fixtures will provide Iraola with further opportunities to assess Wirtz's form and determine whether a change in approach is necessary. If the playmaker continues to struggle, the manager will face an increasingly difficult decision about his role in the team's future.
