Florian Wirtz is enduring a challenging start to life at Liverpool, as the highly-rated German playmaker continues to search for his rhythm in English football. Despite being one of Europe’s brightest young talents, Wirtz has yet to live up to the sky-high expectations that followed his big-money move to Anfield.
The 21-year-old was signed from Bayer Leverkusen during the summer transfer window for a staggering £116 million, making him one of the most expensive signings in Liverpool’s history. However, the midfielder has yet to register a goal or an assist in his first six Premier League appearances. This lack of impact stands in stark contrast to his dazzling performances in the Bundesliga last season, where he recorded an impressive 31 goal contributions and became the creative heartbeat of Leverkusen’s attack.
Given those numbers, it’s no surprise that Anfield supporters expected Wirtz to hit the ground running. But so far, he is still adjusting to the intensity and physical demands of English football. His slow start has prompted discussions among pundits and analysts, including former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves, who believes Wirtz’s struggles are not purely individual but also connected to Liverpool’s current lack of balance.
Hargreaves: Wirtz Arrival Has Disrupted Liverpool’s Balance
According to Hargreaves, Liverpool’s decision to immediately slot Wirtz into the starting XI has altered the chemistry of a midfield that was highly effective last season. With Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai already forming a solid trio, the introduction of Wirtz has forced manager Arne Slot to make tactical adjustments that are yet to fully click.
“When you spend that kind of money on Florian, you almost have no choice but to play him,” Hargreaves told Goal. “They’ve tried to integrate him into the side, but that’s led to Szoboszlai shifting into different roles, even filling in at right-back at times. That’s when you start to lose the balance that made Liverpool so strong last year.”
The former England international believes this imbalance has affected not only Wirtz’s adaptation but also the overall stability of Liverpool’s system. For Slot, the key challenge is to harness Wirtz’s creativity without sacrificing the team’s tactical harmony.
Liverpool Facing “Arsenal-Style” Dilemma
Hargreaves also drew parallels between Liverpool’s current situation and the early years of Mikel Arteta’s tenure at Arsenal. Back then, Arsenal possessed an abundance of talented individuals but struggled to fit them all into a cohesive, well-structured unit.
“Liverpool’s depth is incredible now, especially with Wirtz and Alexander Isak coming in,” Hargreaves explained. “But sometimes having too many top players can cause issues. It’s not about talent alone—it’s about balance.”
He went on to highlight mistakes from Liverpool’s backline as another symptom of these adjustments. “Even someone like Ibrahima Konaté, who was rock solid last season, has made errors this year. They’ve changed full-backs, brought in Wirtz and Isak, and suddenly the rhythm feels off. It reminds me of what Arsenal went through with Arteta. You just have to find the right balance.”
Patience Required for Wirtz’s Breakthrough
Despite his underwhelming start, most observers agree that Wirtz has the talent and mentality to succeed in the Premier League. Transitioning from the Bundesliga to the English top flight is rarely seamless, especially for creative midfielders tasked with dictating the tempo of matches.
With time, Wirtz is expected to adapt to the speed, intensity, and physicality of English football. If Liverpool can restore balance in midfield while giving the German playmaker freedom to express himself, the investment in him could pay off massively in the long run.
For now, though, patience will be key. Both the fans and Arne Slot will need to give Wirtz the space to grow into his role—because once he finds his stride, Liverpool could have one of the most influential midfielders in world football.
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