Andoni Iraola could have a former Liverpool boss to thank when it comes to reigniting Florian Wirtz's career at Anfield
Florian Wirtz has huge expectations this season
Florian Wirtz was a bright spark for Germany during a disappointing 2-1 loss to Ecuador.(Image: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images)
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Andoni Iraola has big plans for Florian Wirtz at Liverpool - and so does Jurgen Klopp. The 23-year-old will play under his second Reds boss in as many years after the Spaniard replaced Arne Slot at the helm.
Like many of his team-mates last season, Wirtz endured a disappointing campaign at Anfield with just seven goals and 10 assists to his name in 49 appearances across all competitions. Flashes of brilliance were few and far between from the German with inconsistency marring much of his debut year.
However, optimism has been restored with the appointment of Iraola whose aggressively attacking style of play promises the return of excitement to Merseyside. A key figure of creating such excitement will be Wirtz.
A year of getting used to the pace and physicality of English football will have no doubt helped the Germany international in his hope to return to top form. Another aspect of Liverpool getting their money's worth for Wirtz will be the management of Jurgen Klopp.
The former Liverpool manager was appointed as the new Germany national team boss earlier this month after the four-time world champions were knocked out in the World Cup round of 32 by Paraguay.
Jurgen Klopp during a Germany press conference.
Jurgen Klopp can help Florian Wirtz rediscover his top form(Image: Markus Ulmer - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)
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Even before his appointment, Klopp outlined what must be done to get the best out of Wirtz. Continually feeding him the ball will not only raise his confidence but boost his team's chances of success. Speaking of his performance against Curacao, Klopp said: "The important thing is that we involve him in the game.
"There were moments against Curacao when I thought, just give him the ball. Not even because he was the best passing option, but because, as a teammate, I want Flo Wirtz to feel good. If I were (Nico) Schlotterbeck, I’d just give him the ball five times for no particular reason and see what he does.
Florian Wirtz celebrates for Liverpool
The Germany international is set for his second season at Anfield(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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"If you really want Flo Wirtz to get into a rhythm, if you want the place to really be buzzing, then give him the ball, because that’s when the lad feels completely at home. I was incredibly grateful to him. I thought he was really, really good, especially in how tactically disciplined he was."
Iraola would do well to take heed of Klopp's comments with Wirtz expected to play a huge role in the revitalisation of German football under the 59-year-old's stewardship. Wirtz being given freedom on the pitch - which is where he shines the most - could apply to his club football - especially in Iraola's expressive philosophy.
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A common criticism of Wirtz last season is that he'd drop too deep to collect the ball, which could limit his influence in the final third. It was an action Klopp picked up on during the World Cup as Iraola must maximise Wirtz's ability on the ball and his IQ when it comes to creating space for others.
Klopp explained: "He can’t keep dropping back to his own penalty area, pick up the ball and do everything himself. We have to find situations where we can use him in those positions, because his positioning creates so much space for Nmecha, for Adeyemi, for everyone making runs into those areas."
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Wirtz joined up with his Liverpool team-mates in Chicago over the weekend and could make his pre-season debut against Leeds United on Sunday. It'll be the first indication of Wirtz's suitability to Iraola's style of play and whether the German can succeed Mohamed Salah in being the go-to man for the Reds.