Liverpool are heading into a crucial season after the failures of the 2025/26 season, and Florian Wirtz will be essential to any chances of improving.
Last season, Wirtz managed 7 goals and 10 assists, which is a lot better than many give him credit for. It was his inconsistent form, however, that led to most of the criticism.
After bonuses, the contract Wirtz signed with Liverpool is worth £250,000 per week, and although Arne Slot is largely to blame for the discordant form the German displayed last season, more consistency this season is needed from Wirtz to justify the £116m paid to sign him.
Wirtz is far likelier to be effective under Iraola, whose football is all about rapid transitions and getting attackers into promising positions as quickly as possible.
Paul Joyce reveals Andoni Iraola’s plan to get Wirtz back to top form
Writing in a column for The Times, Joyce writes that Liverpool are hoping to get the best out of Wirtz under Andoni Iraola.
Joyce says: “Arne Slot deployed Wirtz as a No.10, but also off the left at times and in other roles.
“It is the intention of Andoni Iraola to persist with Wirtz behind Isak, while Liverpool believe that if they recruit pace in wide areas – Bradley Barcola remains a target – opportunities for Wirtz to cast his spell on matches will improve.”
Wirtz spoke about the season ahead at Liverpool, revealing discussions with the new head coach about how he can be more involved in the attacking third than he was last season.
“Of course we spoke about this because I think it is important to know which position you are going to play,” Wirtz added. “I know that I can probably play different positions but No.10 is my favourite and my best position, so let’s see how this works out.
“We are looking forward to working with him [Iraola]. For me, it is only two weeks that I have been in training, so I can just say that I am enjoying it. I like the idea of football he has, so I am really looking forward to it.
“I think especially in the last three years at Bournemouth, you could see what he can do with a team. I’m just trying to make my job better, to make the team better and I don’t think too much about how important I am.
“I just want to make the club successful. I just want to be the best version of myself. I will try my best to win as many trophies as we can win and I’ll try to play my part this season.”