Florian Wirtz’s Liverpool Form Is Silencing Doubters

When Florian Wirtz assisted Hugo Ekitike just four minutes into his Liverpool debut, it looked as though the £100m+ (£16.5m in add-ons) investment would deliver immediate returns. Instead, Florian Wirtz’s Liverpool form quickly became a talking point, and supporters had to wait another 12 matches for his next goal involvement.

Even his two assists in a 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League did little to silence critics, who pointed to the level of opposition and questioned whether he could truly handle the physical demands of the Premier League.

Another 13 games passed before he registered his first Premier League assist of the season, a delicate pass into Alexander Isak. By that stage, opinion had split. For some, patience was required. For others, the price tag was already becoming a burden.

As his performances have improved, the narrative has shifted. More importantly, Liverpool’s attacking structure has evolved with him. 

Liverpool’s Long-Standing Low Block Problem

Liverpool have historically struggled to break down teams defending in a low block. Their slow, indirect possession and reliance on wide areas often made them predictable. This issue was previously discussed in an analysis of how Liverpool’s form could be improved.

When faced with compact defensive structures, Liverpool frequently dominated possession without creating clear central openings. The ball circulated across the back line and into wide areas, but penetration through the middle was limited. Opponents were comfortable allowing control in non-dangerous zones because central spaces were protected.

The issue was never possession alone. It was what Liverpool did with it. Tempo was often slow, vertical passes were hesitant, and there was little consistent presence between the lines to destabilise organised defences.

That is the problem Florian Wirtz was signed to solve.

Early Criticism and Doubt

Florian Wirtz’s criticism intensified after a run of subdued performances. Speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast, the Sky Sports pundit was blunt:

“Wirtz is a problem. Let’s just call it as it is. It’s an issue. He’s £100m+, and to be fair, I said a few weeks ago [Milos] Kerkez looked like a little boy out there. Today I thought Wirtz looked like a little boy. That can’t be the case.”

At that point, the narrative formed quickly. Florian Wirtz’s Liverpool form was scrutinised heavily, particularly given the fee Liverpool paid and the expectation that he would hit the ground running. The fee amplified every quiet performance. His slight frame became a talking point. The Premier League’s intensity was used as evidence that Liverpool may have overreached.

The qualities that made him one of Europe’s most sought-after talents had not disappeared.

Florian Wirtz’s Liverpool Form and What Has Changed

Now that Florian Wirtz is settling into his role at Liverpool, his teammates are aware of the ability he has and where he needs to receive the ball to hurt the opposition. His ability is not just limited to what he does on the ball. His movement to find space between compact defensive and midfield lines is crucial in how Liverpool are able to break down low blocks.

Liverpool are now more comfortable giving him the ball in tight areas, knowing that his technical ability in congested spaces is strong enough to create something from situations that previously would have broken down.

According to official Premier League statistics, his creative output and goal contributions have steadily increased as he has grown into the side. Florian Wirtz’s Liverpool form has coincided with Liverpool’s recent upturn in results.

The numbers support what is visible in Liverpool’s performances. Confidence has grown, and so has his influence on the rhythm of their attacks. Liverpool look more willing to play through central areas rather than relying purely on wide deliveries. 

Elite Endorsement

One of the strongest endorsements of Florian Wirtz’s quality came from former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, speaking on TNT Sports:

“In terms of his technical level, it’s world class. He’s got the world at his feet. He’s so exciting to watch. In tight little areas, his touch is immaculate. His awareness of what’s around him is superb.

“He’s always looking to create goals. He’s always looking to try and get on the scoresheet as well.

“For me, I always watch players and think to myself, ‘Would I like to play with him as a player?’ I would love to play with this kid, he’s always in space.

“He’s so clever in terms of where to receive the ball, I just think he’s so exciting for the Premier League. He’s just on a different wavelength and streets ahead of the defensive play.”

Gerrard’s comments highlight what Liverpool have added to their side. Florian Wirtz is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure and capable of unlocking organised defensive systems with intelligence rather than physical dominance.

Justifying the Fee

Six goals and two assists across his recent run of appearances have shifted perception, marking a clear resurgence in form.

The real value lies deeper. Florian Wirtz is not simply adding numbers. He is altering Liverpool’s attacking rhythm.

At 22, and already a two-time Bundesliga Player of the Year as well as a German Player of the Year winner, his pedigree was never in doubt. The early adaptation period was magnified by the scale of the transfer, but adjustment to a new league was always inevitable.

His influence has not gone unnoticed internally either. After being named Liverpool’s Player of the Month for January, it became clear that the coaching staff and supporters were beginning to see his growing importance to the side. Florian Wirtz’s criticism early in his Liverpool career now feels premature.

Liverpool did not spend £100m+ on potential alone. They invested in a player capable of transforming how they attack compact, organised teams. The early doubts were loud, but they missed the wider picture.

Florian Wirtz was never the problem. He was the solution waiting to settle. Now that he has, Liverpool look less predictable, more incisive, and far better equipped to dismantle the systems that once frustrated them. 

The price tag is no longer the headline. The performances are.