Florian Wirtz failed to dominate the Premier League in his first season for Liverpool, but after starring at the World Cup for Germany, his second year will be vastly different
07:00, 26 Jun 2026
Florian Wirtz was a bright spark for Germany during a disappointing 2-1 loss to Ecuador
Florian Wirtz was a bright spark for Germany during a disappointing 2-1 loss to Ecuador(Image: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images)
Germany may have lost 2-1 to Ecuador in Thursday's Group E finale, but it was encouraging to see Florian Wirtz play with confidence and freedom during a classy performance at the FIFA World Cup.
Wirtz has provided two assists at the World Cup so far. His first was in the 7-1 opening win over debutants Curacao, and the other was on Thursday against Ecuador. Wirtz failed to register a goal contribution against the Ivory Coast, but Liverpool transfer target Yan Diomande starred instead.
After arriving from Bayer Leverkusen for $133 million last summer, the spotlight was instantly placed on the young midfielder, with overwhelming pressure to deliver from the off. Wirtz's debut season didn't pan out as expected, certainly not for Arne Slot before he was fired, but Liverpool fans should be optimistic.
As I arrived at New York/New Jersey Stadium to watch a decisive World Cup game, I was eager to see Wirtz perform on the biggest stage of all. The game meant nothing to Germany, at least not in the World Cup standings, as it had already won Group E with a game to spare.
On the flip side, Ecuador needed to win to advance to the knockout rounds, and did so in emphatic style with an upset 2-1 win. Germany took the lead inside two minutes, and it was Wirtz's expert pass across the penalty area that handed Leroy Sane an easy finish.
Wirtz can play a variety of different positions, but was used primarily off the left by German national team head coach Julian Nagelsmann. Wirtz has drifted into this role several times for Liverpool, while also playing more centrally on other occasions.
Wirtz created Germany's opening goal, putting it on a plate for Leroy Sane
Wirtz created Germany's opening goal, putting it on a plate for Leroy Sane(Image: MAURO PIMENTEL / AFP via Getty Images)
While Wirtz stuck to his position when Ecuador was in possession, he enjoyed a free-roaming role when Germany had the ball. Sure, he would often collect the ball out wide and stretch the defense, but he also made darting runs through the middle and was a handful for a talented Ecuador back line.
Aside from providing Germany's only assist, Wirtz also showed his ability to carry the ball forward, and has clearly been given the license to drive his nation up the field. Liverpool struggled for creativity and optimism at times last season, and fans constantly looked at Wirtz for the solution.
Wirtz also showed an impressive attitude when tracking back, recovering the ball on four occasions, and igniting a fresh German counter. There were still some doubts over his shooting, as all three efforts were blocked.
Wirtz played with flair and freedom against Ecuador and was Germany's best player
Wirtz played with flair and freedom against Ecuador and was Germany's best player(Image: Jewel SAMAD / AFP via Getty Images)
The German became a goal machine at Leverkusen, and his ability to score from range and pick out passes made him one of the most sought-after players across Europe. Although the Bundesliga remains very physical, Wirtz still allows himself more time than he has, which will change over time.
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But I left New Jersey feeling extremely confident that Wirtz would not only prove his worth at Liverpool, but also improve drastically from the start of next season. He seems like a different player for his national team, a place where he feels at home without every touch being scrutinized by Premier League fans.
It needs to be said, Wirtz's first Liverpool season was chaotic, with the tragic loss of Diogo Jota in the summer, Trent Alexander-Arnold causing unrest, and supporters rapidly losing faith in Slot. Then there was the Mohamed Salah fallout and the eventual announcement that he would be leaving.
Last season was the least stable Liverpool has been since the Jurgen Klopp era really got going, and I think all fans wish that the German icon was the one mentoring Wirtz. However, under new head coach Andoni Iraola and with a valuable year of experience, Wirtz should be a different threat next season.