Florian Wirtz’s early days at Liverpool have been far from smooth, and new insights are beginning to shed light on why the German midfielder has yet to make his expected impact at Anfield.
The 22-year-old arrived amid huge anticipation following his outstanding performances for Bayer Leverkusen, but nine games into his Premier League career, Wirtz has yet to register a goal or assist — sparking growing concern among supporters and analysts alike.
Liverpool’s recent run of three consecutive defeats has only added to the scrutiny. While Wirtz has created more chances than any other player in the Premier League — an impressive 21 in total — his teammates’ inability to convert those opportunities has left his influence looking minimal on paper.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has pointed out that Wirtz’s natural preference to play as a traditional No.10 might be unsettling the team’s tactical balance. Others, however, argue that the issue lies more with the inconsistency in attack rather than with Wirtz himself.
The young midfielder’s challenges have also been amplified by Liverpool’s ongoing transition under Arne Slot. Adjusting to a new system, teammates, and league intensity has made his adaptation more complex than expected.
Even during the recent international break, Wirtz’s fortunes didn’t improve much. Although Germany cruised to a 4–0 victory over Luxembourg, Wirtz drew criticism for missing a key assist chance. His national coach, Julian Nagelsmann, was quick to defend him, insisting that Wirtz’s current form is simply part of a natural adaptation process. “He still creates the most chances in the Premier League,” Nagelsmann noted, emphasizing that Wirtz’s talent remains unquestionable.
As Liverpool regroup during the break, this period could provide the young playmaker with the space he needs to reset and regain confidence. With the season still young but expectations sky-high, Wirtz now faces a critical few weeks to prove that he can be the creative heartbeat Liverpool envisioned when they brought him to Anfield.
