Liverpool are reportedly interested in acquiring the services of Florian Wirtz in the next summer transfer window. The German youngster has caught the attention of the Anfield hierarchy, who see him as a potential addition to their squad.
With Liverpool set to bring in a new manager ahead of the next season, reports suggest that Xabi Alonso is at the top of their wish list. The former Liverpool midfielder has been making waves in his managerial role at Bayer Leverkusen, making him an appealing candidate for the Reds’ managerial position.
Naturally, it follows that Liverpool will also be associated with players from Bayer Leverkusen. At the forefront of this speculation is Florian Wirtz, the remarkable 20-year-old who is arguably the standout performer for the German side.
Liverpool’s interest in Wirtz has been widely reported in the past, with recent claims from HITC suggesting they scouted him once more this week.
But the question remains: how would Wirtz integrate into Liverpool’s squad? Below, we explore this possibility.
Firstly, let’s examine Wirtz’s playing style. Despite being just 20 years old, he has already been competing at the highest level for several years, making his debut for Leverkusen at the age of 17. In his debut season, he showcased his talent by contributing five goals and six assists. The following season, he further demonstrated his abilities with seven goals and 10 assists.
Even during his teenage years, Wirtz earned recognition as one of Europe’s premier creative talents. However, his progress was momentarily hindered by a significant injury that limited his appearances during the 2022/23 season.
Nevertheless, Wirtz has returned to peak form in the current season. Within the Bundesliga, he stands out as the player with the most goal-creating actions, with the highest average per 90 minutes among those who have played at least 900 minutes.
In terms of his statistical performance, Wirtz has accumulated five goals and eight assists, a remarkable achievement showcasing his impact on the field.
Primarily, Wirtz operates as a no.10 in Alonso’s 3-4-3 setup, occasionally slotting in as one of two no.10s. He also demonstrates proficiency in a deeper midfield position within a three-man midfield, and has even showcased his abilities as a False 9 at times.
In possession, Wirtz exhibits a preference for swift ball movement, boasting an average of more passes per 90 minutes than any other attacking midfielder or winger in Europe’s top 5 leagues. Additionally, he ranks high in terms of progressive passes, showing noticeable improvement in this aspect. Throughout the current season, Wirtz has already surpassed his previous records for progressive passes, with 13 games still remaining.
Regardless of his designated role, Wirtz consistently endeavors to involve his teammates in the game and advance the ball up the field.
Florian Wirtz at Liverpool Under Alonso
In the context of Wirtz’s potential role at Liverpool, his fit within the team hinges on the appointment of a new manager, particularly whether Alonso assumes the position. The dynamics of his role would be influenced by the managerial preferences and tactics of whoever takes charge.
Under Alonso’s management, Wirtz could potentially play a pivotal role in Liverpool’s setup, occupying one of the two supporting positions behind the main striker. This aligns with the possibility of employing a similar tactical system at Anfield.
Potential candidates to lead the forward line include Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota, and perhaps even Cody Gakpo, with Wirtz positioned behind them. The array of attacking options available at Liverpool includes Mohamed Salah, Harvey Elliott, Dominik Szoboszlai, Luis Diaz, and Gakpo, any of whom could partner with Wirtz in the attacking midfield role.
However, it is evident that Liverpool boasts a surplus of attacking talent relative to the limited number of positions available. While Wirtz possesses the ability to compete for a starting spot, it is foreseeable that there may need to be player departures to accommodate everyone effectively.
Another possibility is to deploy Wirtz as a False 9 rather than a traditional striker. He excels in this role, potentially surpassing any other player at Liverpool. If Alonso desires versatility, Wirtz’s current form would certainly deliver it.
Florian Wirtz in Liverpool’s 4-3-3
There’s a compelling argument for any new Liverpool manager to stick with the 4-3-3 formation, as it aligns well with the current squad’s strengths and has proven success.
Wirtz could seamlessly fit into this formation, possibly in a False 9 role akin to Roberto Firmino’s peak performance.
Moreover, Wirtz has experience playing in a midfield trio, particularly as a no.8, although Liverpool already boasts several young talents for those positions like Szoboszolai, Elliott, Jones, and Alexis Mac Allister.
Nonetheless, Wirtz’s exceptional talent suggests he could surpass existing options in due course, given his status as one of the premier 20-year-old players in the sport.
Therefore, signing Wirtz could enhance Liverpool’s squad quality, but the extent of this improvement relative to the acquisition cost remains a matter of debate.
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