Florian Wirtz has found it tough to perform at his very best since making a big-money move from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool last summer
Florian Wirtz joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen last summer
Florian Wirtz joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen last summer(Image: Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Former Aston Villa and England striker Gabby Agbonlahor has spotted a major Florian Wirtz problem as the German’s stuttering Liverpool career after a big-money move continues.
Wirtz, who was sitting in the stands as Liverpool beat Tottenham in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, joined the Reds in the summer of 2025 for a massive deal worth a reported fee of $156 million (£116 million).
Although many expected the 23-year-old to hit the ground running straight away, he has found it tough to settle into the Liverpool side. So far, Wirtz has made 54 appearances across all competitions for Liverpool, scoring just seven goals and assisting 11, which can be described as below par.
Under new boss Andoni Iraola, things have yet to improve for Wirtz, having struggled so far in the 26/27 campaign, recording just one assist, which came in the Premier League against Nottingham Forest.
Speaking recently on talkSPORT Breakfast, ex-Premier League star Agbonlahor claimed that Wirtz is currently lacking the ‘hunger’ to score, stating that he needs to be more like Bruno Fernandes, Rayan Cherki and Cole Palmer.
In addition, the 39-year-old urged Wirtz to do ‘a lot more’ than what he has been showing in a Liverpool shirt.
Florian Wirtz has struggled since joining Liverpool(Image: (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images))
Agbonlahor said: “When you look at his stats... we don't want to go on just stats, but five goals, four assists in 37 Premier League appearances.
“There was a player at Aston Villa; I won't name his name, but he was the best player on the training pitch. In the little five-a-sides, you couldn't get near him, the best player.
“Then when he got onto an 11-a-side pitch, he didn't really do it. I look at him (Wirtz) and say, 'He would definitely be the best player in training, but he seems a bit lightweight’.”
He continued: “Against Atletico Madrid, he was better, he was making some great passes in behind.
“But he needs the hunger to score that Rayan Cherki has got, Cole Palmer has got, Martin Odegaard has now got, Bruno Fernandes.
“When you're that number 10... it's a lucky position to play. When I played it at Villa a handful of times, I loved it in there!
“I’d roam around wherever I liked, get on the ball and make things happen. He needs to do a lot more than what he's doing.”
Liverpool will need better performances from Florian Wirtz
Liverpool will need better performances from Florian Wirtz(Image: (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images))
Recently, amid his difficult start to the season, Wirtz was linked with a move to Bayern Munich.
Speaking about the potential transfer, Agbonlahor said: “He stepped into a situation at Liverpool where he was, sort of, expected to be the new centre point of the team, but Mo Salah was still there.
“Liverpool were a mess last season, and I don't think that was Florian Wirtz's fault. So, it is difficult.
“I would be really surprised if Bayern weren't keeping half an eye on him, to see how the situation decants. Because maybe it won't work, I think we have to bear that in mind as a possibility.”
Liverpool will be back in action this weekend with a Premier League match against Bournemouth on Sunday.