Florian Wirtz’s high-profile move to Liverpool has placed the German international under immediate scrutiny. Signed from Bayer Leverkusen for a reported £116 million, Wirtz arrived as the club’s record signing and was expected to become the creative centre of Andoni Iraola’s attack.
The 23-year-old has acknowledged that the Premier League’s intensity and physical demands have been difficult to adjust to. Liverpool’s new-look attack has shown flashes of quality, but Wirtz has not yet consistently controlled matches from the No. 10 position.
Liverpool’s direct attacking approach has also created challenges for the midfielder. During rapid transitions, Wirtz has occasionally surrendered possession when attempting to release teammates quickly. Those mistakes have encouraged debate over whether Dominik Szoboszlai should move into the advanced midfield role, with Wirtz operating from a different position or being used more selectively.
Szoboszlai offers greater physical presence, aggressive pressing and defensive work. His ability to win the ball higher up the pitch can immediately create attacking opportunities, especially in a system that relies on quick transitions. He rescued a point for Liverpool at Newcastle by converting a penalty in the ninth minute of stoppage time, underlining his importance during difficult matches.
Wirtz, however, remains central to Liverpool’s plans. His vision, close control and ability to find space between the lines give the team a creative dimension that cannot be replicated simply through pressing and physicality. Liverpool’s challenge is to create a structure that allows him to receive the ball in more favorable areas.
The comparison with other expensive signings has increased the pressure. Alexander Isak is still rebuilding his fitness after a long-term injury, while Bradley Barcola is arriving from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth up to £123 million. Such large investments naturally create expectations for immediate impact.
Liverpool’s starting lineup against Nottingham Forest showed that Wirtz continues to occupy the No. 10 role. He was selected behind Isak, with Cody Gakpo and Victor Munoz supporting the attack from the wide areas.
The club’s position at the top of the table has also made the criticism more noticeable. Liverpool have collected results despite occasional weaknesses in midfield, but their performances have not always matched the quality suggested by the club’s spending.
Wirtz has already demonstrated that he can influence matches, yet he needs time to adapt to the speed of English football and his teammates’ movement patterns. The responsibility does not rest entirely on the player; Iraola must also ensure that Liverpool’s tactical approach gives him enough possession and protection.
With the fixture schedule becoming increasingly demanding, Liverpool’s depth will be tested. The arrival of Barcola should provide more width and attacking variety, while Isak and Wirtz will be expected to build a stronger understanding as they gain match fitness.
For now, the debate over Wirtz’s role is unlikely to disappear. Moving Szoboszlai into the No. 10 position could give Liverpool more intensity, but removing Wirtz from the central creative role would also risk limiting one of the squad’s most gifted players.
The coming weeks will show whether Wirtz can adapt quickly enough to meet the expectations attached to his transfer fee. Liverpool have built an expensive and talented attack, but Iraola must find the right balance if the club are to turn individual quality into consistent performances.
