Florian Wirtz now delivers the standout performances expected from the 22-year-old German star at Liverpool. Clubs like Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid pursued him after he recorded 34 goals and 35 assists in his final two seasons at Bayer Leverkusen. Executives viewed him as a generational talent, potentially a future Ballon d’Or contender and key figure for Germany in recent tournaments.
From Leverkusen Dominance to Anfield Arrival
Liverpool secured Wirtz in a major summer transfer exceeding £100 million, outbidding rivals. At Leverkusen, he helped secure an unbeaten Bundesliga title—the club’s first—along with the German Cup and a Europa League final run. Yet, his first six months at Anfield showed only flashes of brilliance, with zero goals in 22 appearances.
Post-Christmas Explosion
Since Christmas, Wirtz has netted six goals in 10 games, transforming glimpses into consistent dominance. He now dictates play with traits reminiscent of Premier League greats: De Bruyne’s directness, Gerrard’s long-range strikes, Silva’s finesse, and Lampard’s box arrivals.
Key statistics per 90 minutes highlight the shift:
- Touches in the penalty area: 7.7 (up from 5.5)
- Shots: 2.3 (up from 1.6)
- Goals: 0.6 (up from 0)
- Total touches: 82.2 (up from 67.2)
- Expected assists: 0.32 (up from 0.16)
- Pressures: 56 (up from 49)
- Runs in behind: 7.8 (up from 6.3)
Gym Dedication Drives Change
Wirtz added 3-4 kilograms of muscle through intensive gym sessions. Nutrition plays a key role; he favors protein-rich breakfasts like eggs or pancakes. Former Leverkusen teammate Jeremie Frimpong followed suit, earning praise from past physios for their commitment.
The focus lies on matching Premier League intensity. Liverpool manager Arne Slot credits Wirtz’s work ethic: “First and foremost credit to the player because he has to do the work on the pitch and in the gym. If he is physically struggling at the start, you need to keep on playing him as that is the only way he can improve.”
Slot adds: “I don’t think he improved that much on the ball because from the start he was special but maybe now he has a better connection with his team-mates. Off the ball I see the biggest improvement with him. That combination makes you ready for the Premier League.”
Adapting Off the Pitch
Wirtz builds chemistry with fellow ex-Bundesliga player Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool’s 15-goal leader after his £79 million move from Eintracht Frankfurt. Away from football, the youngest of 10 siblings adjusts to life in England, staying connected with family including sister Juli, who plays for Werder Bremen’s women’s team.
He combats homesickness through hobbies: padel, walks with dog Zoomer, and PlayStation gaming—a recent indulgence after a childhood ban to prioritize football. A viral potato-ranking video once amused fans, revealing his laid-back side.
A pivotal test awaits Sunday against Manchester City, where Wirtz could shine against a club that nearly signed him.
