Daniel Sturridge has likened Florian Wirtz to former Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho, highlighting the young midfielder’s creativity and influence on the pitch
16:56, 08 Feb 2026
Florian Wirtz celebrates after scoring Liverpool's third goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield in Liverpool, England, on January 31, 2026. (Photo by Steven Halliwell/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Daniel Sturridge believes Florian Wirtz is Liverpool's creative influence(Image: Steven Halliwell/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has compared young midfielder Florian Wirtz to former Reds star Philippe Coutinho, praising the German’s creativity and influence on the pitch.
Wirtz joined Liverpool last summer for a reported $136 million (£100 million), making it one of the biggest transfers in English football history. Despite the hype surrounding his arrival, the 22-year-old struggled to adapt initially, failing to score in his first 22 appearances across all competitions.
Many questioned whether the Germany international could successfully translate his Bundesliga style to the demands of the Premier League. Wirtz finally opened his Liverpool account with a goal in a 2-1 victory over Wolves in December and has since shown greater consistency, contributing seven goals and assists.
READ MORE: Liverpool vs Man City LIVE Ekitike and Wirtz start, Guehi in for visitors, score updates, streamREAD MORE: Daniel Sturridge torches Micah Richards over Virgil van Dijk comments
He has also developed a productive partnership with Hugo Ekitike —signed for an initial $93 million (£69 million)—with the duo combining for six goals across all competitions.
Speaking ahead of the game against Manchester City, Sturridge believes Wirtz has the vision and flair to drive Liverpool’s attack in the same way Coutinho once did. "Wirtz's game is developing. The numbers he's now putting on the board, he's doing very well" said the former Liverpool striker.
"I like the areas he picks up, in those pockets, on the half-turn. The creative influence - that's something that's been missing over the previous seven or eight years. Philippe Coutinho was doing things and being a creative influence.
"Wirtz is the creative influence at Liverpool Football Club. Today is one of those days where he can be decisive. I think we've seen the worst of Wirtz - and today's the day to showcase his ability."
Phillipe Coutinho
Daniel Sturridge compared Florian Wirtz to Phillipe Coutinho(Image: (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images))
Speaking back in October, former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson also compared Wirtz to the Brazilian. "I can see some similarities between Wirtz and Coutinho, but Phil had the end product reliably," Johnson said speaking to 10Bet at the time. "He was short and sharp, and something would happen when he picked up the ball.
Article continues below
"I think Wirtz has that in him, too, but he needs to sharpen up his brain before he receives the ball so he can act quicker. There’s no point just receiving the ball and making a nice little pass sideways. Anyone can do that.
"Coutinho at Anfield, he always had that cutting edge more than Wirtz does right now. But look, he’s come with huge pressure on him, and there’s a lot of boxes he needs to tick.
"I think that’s going to take some time, while he settles, just like it is with Trent Alexander-Arnold at Real Madrid. It’s normal for players."