Creative midfielder Florian Wirtz is looking to take on a big responsibility as the Frankfurt striker may soon unlock his dream of a stronger second season with Liverpool. With his team advancing into the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup, Wirtz faces increased pressure as National team coach Julian Nagelsmann named the 23-year-old midfielder as a starter for Germany’s Round of 32 match against Paraguay. Wirtz shows Germany how vital his input is if they hope to lift the World Cup trophy, and his growing influence in the German attack will be seen as the tournament heads into its most crucial test.
When Wirtz made an appearance on national television before the match, teammate Jamal Musiala praised the striker’s influence in the German attack, saying the pair complement each other naturally whenever they play together. While their partnership has become Germany’s greatest attacking weapon, former captain Philipp Lahm and sporting director Rudi Völler have urged players like Wirtz to elevate their game even further in the knockout stages. The German side will look to the Bundesliga star’s growing talent to help them complete their next world title.
Off the pitch, Wirtz is one of the Premier League club’s biggest transfers ever. The German signed from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2025 in a deal that initially cost £100 million with potential performance-related bonuses that will set the deal at roughly £116 million (€136.3 million). The transfer made him the club’s most expensive signing to date, as they have walked into an exciting new era under Arne Slot with their new midfield cornerstone.
Before moving to Anfield, Wirtz carved out a reputation at Bayer Leverkusen as one of Europe’s finest young midfielders. He had tremendous numbers in his final season in Germany with 16 goals and 15 assists in 45 appearances to help the Bavarian club be one of the strongest sides in the Bundesliga. He was needed by several European powerhouses thanks to his vision, technical quality and intelligence, before Liverpool paid the price to bring him to the club.
While there was a buzz of joy in his first season in England, the reality proved less clear cut for Florian Wirtz. Liverpool had a game of ups and downs but the German’s efficiency was not without its problems as he struggled to keep pace with the speed and intensity of the Premier League. Though Wirtz undoubtedly had moments of brilliance, the German international could not dominate games as he did in Germany.Contact Us
Wirtz featured in 49 games across all competitions in 2025-26, scoring seven goals and providing eight assists. In the Premier League, he managed five goals and three assists. While those figures would be a disappointment for a player who made history with his transfer fee, it has been noted by pundits that his chance creation rate was among Liverpool’s best stats, meaning his influence extended past the league’s most elusive stats: goals.
Wirtz has openly spoken about the physical differences in English football, explaining that Liverpool had specifically tailored a strength-training plan to help Wirtz adapt. He added that he has “no regrets” about forging his path to England and is genuinely focused on becoming part of Liverpool’s success at Anfield year on and year.
The World Cup is now a chance for Wirtz to prove doubters wrong and regain his form on the biggest stage in football. A strong World Cup campaign would also boost his international reputation and help Wirtz return to the club scene feeling encouraged for the upcoming new club season.
Going forward, however, Wirtz also has the intention to return to Liverpool rejuvenated, both physically and mentally. He wants to deliver the creative force for whom Liverpool were willing to pay a record fee to acquire his services. With Mohamed Salah continuing to be the spearhead of the Liverpool attack and a quality group of teammates around him, Wirtz hopes that 2026-27 will bring about his rise into one of the most impactful midfielders in the Premier League.
For the remainder of the World Cup tournament and beyond, the coming months will be the test to which both Germany and Liverpool would assess the future of Florian Wirtz – a rapidly rising star who has the potential, if he works his talent into its full potential, to justify the record fee that Liverpool paid for him and prove to the world that he is one of the best footballers in the world.