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"A talent that comes along once in a hundred years." That was how iconic Liverpool boss and current Germany national team manager Jürgen Klopp described Florian Wirtz last year, shortly after his $159 million transfer to Anfield.
Liverpool fans, however, have been left questioning exactly which century Klopp had in mind as scrutiny of Wirtz grows following an underwhelming 15 months on Merseyside.
As part of the club's expensive overhaul ahead of the 2025–26 season, Wirtz was anticipated to propel the then Premier League champions into an entirely new dimension, spearheading a period of dominance under Arne Slot. That vision has yet to materialise.
The 23-year-old has consistently fallen short when Liverpool have needed him most, and his minimal impact is now being scrutinised more intensely than at any previous point.
But where has it all gone wrong for this supposedly generational footballer?
Liverpool's Statement Signing
One look at Wirtz's remarkable Bayer Leverkusen statistics and it becomes instantly clear why Liverpool spent so heavily to secure his signature.
Under the tutelage of Xabi Alonso, the attacking midfielder had made a rapid rise from highly sought-after wonderkid to bona fide superstar. His 37 goal contributions during the 2023–24 campaign were pivotal in Leverkusen claiming a domestic double and reaching the Europa League final, while a further 30 contributions the following season highlighted his reliability.
It's worth remembering that Liverpool were far from his only suitors. Real Madrid and Manchester City had both shown interest before his move to Anfield, while Bayern Munich were left stunned by a rare unsuccessful bid to land one of the Bundesliga's most exciting talents. Wirtz had eyes only for Liverpool.
History speaks for itself. There is a clear reason why Liverpool and other European heavyweights were so eager to sign him.
A Miserable Debut Season
There are extenuating circumstances surrounding Wirtz's disappointing first season. Liverpool's sharp decline under Slot, the poor performances of those around him, and a natural settling-in period can all be cited as contributing factors. Yet, regardless of those caveats, his performances were still remarkably flat.
The productivity that had made him such a formidable force at Leverkusen simply didn't follow him to England. It took Wirtz two months to register a goal or assist in competitive football, eventually ending the drought with two assists in a heavy win over Eintracht Frankfurt on German soil. He would then wait a further two months before adding to his tally with his first Premier League goal involvement in a victory over Tottenham Hotspur just before the Christmas break.
That assist in north London ignited Wirtz's strongest spell of the season, as he went on to contribute six goals and two assists before February arrived, even claiming Liverpool's Player of the Month honour for his January performances.
Yet that turned out to be a false dawn. Wirtz's impact faded as the campaign wore on, and he managed only a goal and two assists across the final four months. Once more, he resembled a player stripped of confidence, struggling to make his mark in a team that was itself floundering.
Slow Start Under Andoni Iraola
The World Cup was billed as the perfect platform for Wirtz to rediscover his form and, crucially, build momentum heading into the new club campaign. Even throughout his difficult debut year at Liverpool, his showings for Germany had been considerably more promising under Julian Nagelsmann.
While Wirtz contributed three assists at the tournament, Germany's stunning early elimination by Paraguay in the round of 32 limited his opportunities to shine. Even in the games Die Mannschaft did play, Liverpool's No. 7 frequently found himself on the fringes of the action.
The upside of Germany's early exit was an extended preseason for Wirtz, which was expected to be a key advantage under new head coach Andoni Iraola. The Spaniard is well known for his man-management skills and his ability to get the best out of midfield playmakers.
Sadly for Iraola, Wirtz, and the Liverpool fanbase, progress has been sluggish so far. While Alexander Isak has shown signs of revival after a torrid first year with the Reds, the story for Wirtz has been all too familiar.
He currently tops Liverpool's charts for distance covered, adjusting from Slot's more controlled style to Iraola's high-intensity pressing game, but he has managed just a single assist across his first six appearances of the season.
Critical Voices Getting Louder
Despite public support from both Iraola and Klopp already this term, a wave of criticism has been building around Wirtz—most notably from former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher.
"That was one of the worst I've ever seen him perform in a Liverpool shirt," Carragher said bluntly following Wirtz's tepid display in a win against Bournemouth. "The reason I'm concerned is, I don't think Wirtz has been in bad form since arriving at Liverpool. I genuinely think what we're watching is simply what he is."
Wirtz is undoubtedly a technically gifted player, but perhaps the Premier League does not suit his particular style. Given minimal time on the ball and frequently confronted by deep defensive structures, he has been neutralised far too easily by opposing sides.
The truly elite players find ways to adapt, however, and that will be the defining challenge for Wirtz as the season unfolds. The story surrounding him could look entirely different by the time the final whistle blows on the campaign.
But patience is wearing thin. Wirtz must deliver, and soon.