Florian Wirtz Will Unlock Three Liverpool Weapons and Show Mohamed Salah Succession Plan
To echo the sentiment once expressed by Jurgen Klopp’s former assistant, Pep Lijnders, Liverpool should focus on adding two types of players to their senior squad: top-tier talents from the academy or world-class stars capable of transforming games.
Florian Wirtz, for whom the Reds have now struck a deal that could rise to \$157 million (£116 million) with add-ons included, clearly belongs in the latter category. Yet due to his age, he could still almost be considered an elite prospect himself.
What makes Liverpool’s pursuit of Wirtz particularly exciting is that he is only 22. The German international is already regarded as one of the finest talents in world football — and with his youth, there’s still ample room for him to grow even further.
“I think he’s the best player [Germany has] got,” former Reds midfielder Didi Hamann said on the Aldo Meets podcast. “Obviously he won’t be cheap, but I think he’s a player who makes other players better.”
When it comes to being both genuinely world-class and capable of elevating those around him, Florian Wirtz shares a similar influence to Mohamed Salah. Though their styles differ significantly, Wirtz has the potential to become the focal point of Liverpool’s attack in the long run, especially as the club begins to think about a future without Salah.
This makes his deployment on the pitch particularly intriguing. While Wirtz is most naturally suited to the number 10 role, he has also shown he can operate effectively as a false nine. Additionally, he offers versatility by being able to feature on the left flank if required.
Regardless of his position, Wirtz consistently enhances the performance of his teammates. With Salah likely occupying space nearby — and possibly a central striker ahead of him — his creative spark could unlock even greater attacking potential.
Last season, both Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo took significant strides in front of goal, combining for 35 goals across all competitions. With Wirtz supplying the final pass, those numbers seem destined to rise.
“Part of the reason why all the [Leverkusen] team is now worth probably a double of what they were worth before is Wirtz — because he brings them into play,” Hamann continued.
“He’s got a great eye for his teammates. He’s got a brilliant touch, he can finish himself, and he always got an eye for the pass.
“Obviously one thing is seeing the pass, and the other thing is executing it, but he does both. For me, he’s probably the best player in Europe in the position at the moment.
For a side that ended last season as the Premier League’s top scorers — and still finished 10 points clear of second-placed Arsenal despite easing off in the final four matches — the prospect is nothing short of thrilling.
Yet strengthening from a position of dominance is precisely what Arne Slot envisioned as he, alongside sporting director Richard Hughes, stepped into the summer transfer window.
“I think we can find one or two extra weapons this team doesn’t have,” Slot said at the back end of the season. “Maybe, maybe, by using the transfer market. That is what we are trying to achieve. That will make us only stronger.
“That is what we need because we saw [Manchester] City spending £200m in the [January] transfer window. All of them will. Apart from the transfer window, we can also improve certain aspects ourselves.”
By securing Florian Wirtz, Liverpool has delivered the strongest possible statement, persuading one of the world’s finest talents to join them on Merseyside. More than just a step up in the attacking midfield role, Wirtz is expected to elevate the performances of everyone around him.
In other news, Liverpool Start Talks for “World-class” £60m CM, He’d Be a Better Signing Than Wirtz
