Full Breakdown
Florian Wirtz’s First Season at Liverpool: A Mixed Start for the German Playmaker
By Drooid · · How we work
Background & Context
Florian Wirtz arrived at Liverpool in the summer of 2025 after starring for Bayer Leverkusen, where he helped the German side secure a domestic double in 2023-24 and posted 18 goals with 19 assists in 47 games. The 23-year-old was signed for a reported £116 million, one of the most expensive nine-figure signings in Premier League history.
Core Performance Overview
In his debut season, Wirtz made 49 appearances across all competitions, recording seven goals and eight assists. He scored his first league goal in late December, and Liverpool finished fifth without winning a trophy. The season was marked by the death of teammate Diogo Jota and a managerial transition to Andoni Iraola, which complicated his integration.
Data & Statistics
- Assists & Chance Creation: One assist in six league games early in the season; three assists in four World Cup matches for Germany. At Liverpool, he created 95 open-play chances, at least 27 more than any teammate.
- Passing Accuracy: 26 of 37 attempted passes completed (70.3%).
- Possession & Duels: Won six of eight duels in the Bournemouth match; lost possession 15 times before being substituted in the 71st minute, a figure matched only by Ronald Araújo and Cody Gakpo.
- Progressive Play: 19 progressive passes in the league (joint 16th), 43 line-breaking passes at 9.6 per 90 minutes—almost double his rate in the previous Premier League season.
- Defensive Work: Applied 419 pressures (joint fifth) and received 260 pressures (joint sixth). Won possession in the opposition’s final third six times, a tally exceeded by only five players.
- Physical Output: Covered the most distance of any Liverpool player in three of his five Premier League games.
Official Statements & Responses
Iraola highlighted Wirtz’s role in creating the chance that led to Alexander Isak’s winning goal against Bournemouth.
Criticism & Opposition
Carragher’s remarks have echoed among a segment of Liverpool supporters who argue that Wirtz’s output does not match the £116 million investment. The criticism intensified after the 2-2 draw at Newcastle, where Wirtz and Isak failed to make a decisive impact. Some observers compare the situation to past high-cost signings such as Paul Pogba.
On-the-Ground Observations
Match reports note that Wirtz’s movement created space for teammates, exemplified by a near-post run that set up Isak’s winner against Bournemouth, even though it was not recorded as an assist. In the Champions League 2-1 victory over Atlético Madrid, his play generated a clear chance that could have become an assist if Bradley Barcola had converted. Conversely, in games against Newcastle, Ipswich Town and Fulham, his influence was limited, and he lost possession more often than many teammates.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Statistical analysis shows Wirtz leading Liverpool in chance creation and ranking highly in progressive and line-breaking passes, suggesting a positive creative contribution. Pundit criticism emphasizes low assist numbers and high possession losses, painting a less favorable picture. The disparity between quantitative metrics and qualitative assessments remains unresolved.
Why It Matters
Wirtz’s adaptation to the Premier League influences Liverpool’s ability to compete for titles under Iraola and shapes perceptions of high-value transfers in an era of escalating fees.
What’s Next
Liverpool’s pre-season under Iraola is expected to refine the team’s system, offering Wirtz an opportunity to improve his second-half performances and increase tangible contributions such as assists and goals. Monitoring his statistical output and on-field influence will determine whether the initial criticism subsides.