Florian Wirtz’s arrival at Liverpool last summer came with all the excitement and scrutiny expected of a £116 million signing. The young German, one of Europe’s brightest prospects, had dazzled the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen and was widely hailed as the future of German football. Liverpool supporters couldn’t wait to see his flair, technique, and imagination light up Anfield. When he finally walked through the doors of the AXA Training Centre in red, anticipation was sky-high. Yet, months later, things haven’t gone entirely according to plan. Now 22, Wirtz is still chasing form — and still waiting for his first Premier League goal or assist.
The pressure has been immense, made worse by Liverpool’s recent struggles. The champions have endured a rough patch, suffering three straight league defeats before the international break. At a club of Liverpool’s stature, such form inevitably fuels debate. Critics start pointing fingers, and for a player with a record-breaking transfer fee, the spotlight only grows harsher. Pundits, ex-players, and fans alike have all asked the same question: where should Florian Wirtz actually play?
New manager Arne Slot has had to face that question repeatedly. The Dutch coach inherited a talented but transitional side. With Mohamed Salah’s departure and the attack being restructured, Slot has experimented with various systems. Wirtz has been used mostly as a number 10 behind the striker, but also occasionally on the left wing — a move that hasn’t always worked. His quiet showing in the defeat to Crystal Palace, when played out wide, triggered another wave of criticism.
Many observers feel Slot has yet to unlock Wirtz’s potential. Some argue he must play centrally, where his vision and passing can dictate tempo. Others believe he’s more dangerous drifting in from the left, much like Philippe Coutinho once did for Liverpool. The opinions are divided, but amid the noise, Wirtz himself recently shared his own perspective — and in doing so, revealed the emotional side of adapting to English football.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Wirtz admitted that he’s still adjusting to life in Liverpool, describing the experience as “a little sad” — not out of regret, but out of frustration that he hasn’t yet shown his best. “I love playing football,” he said softly, “but I know I can do more. I know what I can bring to the team. Sometimes, things just take time.” His words serve as a reminder that behind the numbers are human stories — of transition, adaptation, and pressure.
Wirtz went on to explain what he believes will help him find his rhythm: “I think my best position is in the middle,” he said. “When I play behind the striker, I can link up with everyone — the wingers, the midfielders, the forward. I can move freely, create space, and make the team play quicker. That’s when I feel most alive.” It was a simple statement but a meaningful one. He wasn’t seeking excuses — just understanding. Wirtz needs to be at the heart of the game, not confined to the sidelines.
Those who followed his time at Bayer Leverkusen know exactly what he means. Under Xabi Alonso, Wirtz thrived in a fluid system that allowed him to roam between the lines and dictate attacks. He flourished because he was trusted to play with freedom. The Premier League, by contrast, has demanded faster decisions, greater physicality, and stricter tactical discipline. For a creative midfielder used to controlling the tempo, that adjustment takes time.
While fans have shown patience, expectations at Liverpool are always high. Each game without a goal or assist intensifies the conversation. Still, those within the club remain confident. Coaches at the AXA Training Centre continue to see flashes of brilliance in training — the sharp touches, clever movement, and vision that convinced Liverpool to invest £116 million. Teammates speak highly of his humility and relentless work ethic.
Slot, too, has publicly backed him. After one match, the manager said: “Florian is a special talent. Sometimes special players just need time. He’s working hard, and we all know what he can bring. He’ll be very important for us.” It was more than just managerial diplomacy — it was a sign of belief.
But adaptation for Wirtz hasn’t only been tactical; it’s been deeply personal. In Germany, he was home — surrounded by familiarity and comfort. In England, he’s had to adjust to new surroundings, new teammates, new weather, and new expectations. He’s admitted to feeling “lonely at times,” but also maturely accepts that it’s part of his growth, both as a player and a person.
“Sometimes it’s sad,” he reflected, “because you want to show your best, but you’re still searching. Still, I believe in myself and what we’re building here. I just need time and confidence.” His honesty resonated with supporters, who saw not just a struggling player, but a young man trying to find his footing in a new world.
Slot’s challenge now is to create the conditions for Wirtz to thrive — most likely by deploying him centrally. When Wirtz operates behind the striker, he becomes unpredictable, threading passes and exploiting gaps. When forced wide, he’s restricted, focused more on defensive duties than creation. Many analysts have urged Slot to give him more freedom to express himself.
It’s a delicate balancing act as Liverpool attempt to regain form under a new manager. The team is still adapting to Slot’s philosophy after years of Jurgen Klopp’s intense, high-energy football. Wirtz, meanwhile, is learning both a new system and a new league simultaneously. Growing pains are inevitable.
Encouragingly, there are positive signs. Coaches report he’s adapting to the Premier League’s physicality, staying after sessions to work on finishing drills and movement. His combinations with Dominik Szoboszlai and Darwin Núñez in training hint at the chemistry beginning to develop. The numbers might not yet show it, but the progress is there.
Wirtz has faced this kind of pressure before. At Leverkusen, he stepped up as a teenager to fill the void left by Kai Havertz — and silenced the doubters. Liverpool fans hope history repeats itself.
For now, his focus remains simple: “I just want to help the team,” he told Sky Sports. “Whether it’s a goal or an assist doesn’t matter — I just want to win.” It’s a statement of quiet determination. Despite the noise, he hasn’t lost belief.
Wirtz’s journey at Liverpool is symbolic of a larger story — one of transition and renewal. With Klopp gone and Slot beginning a new chapter, Wirtz represents the bridge between eras. It’s a heavy burden for a 22-year-old, but one he embraces.
Liverpool fans, ever patient and perceptive, remember that even stars like Salah, Fabinho, and Robertson took time to settle. They know true greatness takes time to unfold. While critics talk, the Anfield faithful still believe.
The story of Florian Wirtz at Liverpool is only just beginning. He’s learning the city, the league, and the expectations that come with wearing the red shirt. The rain, the roar, the relentlessness — he’s embracing it all. And deep down, he knows his moment will come.
“When I was a kid,” he said with a smile, “I used to watch Anfield on TV and dream about playing there. Now I’m here — and even when it’s hard, I know I made the right choice. I want to give everything for this club. I just need to show who I really am.”
It’s not arrogance — it’s conviction. Wirtz understands that every great Liverpool story begins with adversity. He’s not backing down from the challenge; he’s learning from it. And when his first Premier League goal finally arrives, when the Kop roars his name, all the struggle will feel worth it.
Until then, he keeps working — quietly, tirelessly. Because at Liverpool, nothing is handed to you. You earn it. And Florian Wirtz believes, sooner rather than later, he’ll prove exactly why this is the position — and the stage — where he truly belongs.
