Florian Wirtz is beginning to show signs of greater influence in Liverpool’s attack as he adapts to Andoni Iraola’s system, with the manager describing the German midfielder as a key player despite criticism over his early output. Wirtz played an important creative role in Liverpool’s 2–1 Champions League victory over Atlético Madrid at Anfield on 9 September.
Liverpool fell behind to Marcos Llorente’s 19th-minute goal before Dominik Szoboszlai equalised shortly before half-time. Alexis Mac Allister then scored the winner five minutes after the restart, completing a comeback that gave Iraola a victory in his first Champions League match as Liverpool manager.
Wirtz did not score or register an official assist, but he was central to Liverpool’s more threatening second-half play. He released Bradley Barcola with a well-weighted pass on a rapid counterattack soon after the break, although the French winger pulled his one-on-one finish wide.
The 23-year-old also created three chances, completed 41 of 46 passes, and produced an 89% passing accuracy against Atlético. His work without the ball was also noted, with Wirtz winning two tackles and helping Liverpool’s pressing structure as Iraola’s side improved after half-time.
Iraola praised Wirtz’s performance and insisted that the midfielder’s contribution should not be judged only by goals and assists.
“With Florian, he is key for us,” Iraola said. “He played very well against Atlético Madrid. He helped us a lot, he was very good on the ball and overall I was very happy with his performance. He is good out of possession and helps us in the press.”
The Liverpool head coach added that a player’s broader impact must be considered alongside their headline numbers.
“You cannot just play because of the numbers,” Iraola said. “Whether a striker scores a lot of goals or does not score a lot of goals, you have to look at the performances. Does he help us to play well? Yes.”
Wirtz’s role alongside Mac Allister and Szoboszlai remains an important part of Liverpool’s attacking structure. His ability to receive between the lines, progress possession and find runners offers the side a creative link to Alexander Isak, Barcola and the wider forwards, even when his own goal contributions are limited.
The Atlético performance suggested that Wirtz is beginning to find stronger connections with Liverpool’s new attacking options. His link-up with Barcola was particularly promising, while his progressive passing and movement helped the hosts exploit spaces once Atlético’s initial defensive structure began to weaken.
Liverpool’s wider adaptation under Iraola remains ongoing, but Wirtz’s display against Atlético offered evidence that his influence is growing. The German’s most important task now is to convert that involvement into regular goals and assists as Liverpool seek greater consistency in the Premier League and Champions League.
