Florian Wirtz is finally hitting his stride at Liverpool after a slow start to life in English football. The German international, signed by manager Arne Slot for a reported £116 million from Bayer Leverkusen, struggled to make an immediate impact during Liverpool’s indifferent start to the 2025-26 season. However, since December 20, Wirtz has been a different player, accumulating four goals and two assists across all competitions while establishing himself as a crucial attacking force. His recent upturn in form has Liverpool fans excited about what he can deliver in the coming months, and his performance data reveals a player who has finally found his confidence and position within the team’s tactical setup.
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The Slow Start in English Football
When Wirtz arrived at Anfield last summer, expectations were sky-high following his impressive performances for Bayer Leverkusen. However, the transition to English football proved more challenging than anticipated. It took 16 Premier League matches before the 22-year-old registered his first direct goal involvement for Liverpool—a delightful through-ball for Alexander Isak’s goal away to Tottenham Hotspur on December 20, 2025.
Wirtz’s struggles during the opening months reflected not only the adjustment period required for continental players moving to the Premier League but also questions about his optimal positioning within Liverpool’s attacking setup. The big-money signing showed flashes of quality but lacked the consistency and confidence that had made him such an effective player for Bayer Leverkusen.
The Turning Point
Everything changed following his assist for Isak at Tottenham. Two days later, Wirtz scored his first Premier League goal for Liverpool in a 2-1 home victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, finishing with aplomb after running onto Hugo Ekitike’s through-ball. This marked the beginning of an extraordinary run of form that has seen the German become one of Liverpool’s most dangerous attacking players.
Since that December 27 match against Wolves, Wirtz has added league goals against Fulham and Burnley—the latter being a fantastic arrowed strike into the top corner—while also scoring and assisting in Liverpool’s home FA Cup win over Barnsley. This consistency represents a stark contrast to his earlier struggles and demonstrates his newfound confidence in the Liverpool colors.
The Performance Statistics Tell the Story
The data reveals a transformation in Wirtz’s game. His shot conversion percentage has jumped dramatically from zero percent to 21.4 percent, indicating both increased shooting volume and improved finishing quality. More significantly, his Expected Goals tally has risen from 2.12 to 2.49, suggesting he is now getting into better scoring positions more consistently.
Wirtz is also shooting with far greater regularity and from better areas, while his ball-carrying capabilities have improved markedly. He completed more dribbles in his last six matches than he did in his first 15 appearances, reflecting a growing self-belief and willingness to take on defenders.
| Stat | First 15 Matches | Last Six Matches |
|---|---|---|
| Shot Conversion % | 0% | 21.4% |
| Dribbles Completed | 14 | 16 |
| Big Chances Created | 1 | 1 |
| Expected Assists (xA) | 1.69 | 1.75 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 2.12 | 2.49 |
Passing and Ball Involvement Statistics
One of the most striking improvements in Wirtz’s recent form is his increased involvement in play. His time on the ball has increased significantly, with average passes per 90 minutes rising from 45.6 to an impressive 73.8. This demonstrates that his teammates, particularly Curtis Jones in midfield, are trusting him with the ball far more regularly and recognizing his pivotal role in Liverpool’s attacking setup.
His touches in the opponent’s box have nearly increased by 60 percent, rising from 5.02 to 7.92 per 90 minutes, indicating he is spending more time in dangerous attacking areas where he can directly influence matches.
| Stat | First 15 Matches | Last Six Matches |
|---|---|---|
| Total Shots | 1.61 per 90 | 2.52 per 90 |
| Total Shots Inside Box | 1.08 per 90 | 1.80 per 90 |
| Touches in Opponent’s Box | 5.02 per 90 | 7.92 per 90 |
| Passes | 45.60 per 90 | 73.80 per 90 |
| Passes into Final Third | 4.57 per 90 | 5.58 per 90 |
Tactical Positioning and Positional Flexibility
Manager Arne Slot has deployed Wirtz in several different positions during his recent impressive run. The German has played as a number 10, out wide on the left, as a “false nine” against Arsenal, and on the right, providing tactical flexibility. The key difference is that Wirtz has learned to avoid the crowded central areas that consumed much of his time during his early Liverpool appearances.
His pass map from the 2-2 draw with Fulham perfectly illustrates this evolution. Although Wirtz started as a number 10, he spent most of his possession time in wider areas to the left and right, allowing him to find space and create opportunities away from congestion.
The percentage of Wirtz’s touches in central areas between the halfway line and 18-yard-box has decreased from 37 percent in his opening 15 appearances to 27 percent in his last six matches. Conversely, his touches on the left side have increased from 14 percent to 32 percent, showing a strategic repositioning that has proven far more effective.
The Mohamed Salah Factor
Wirtz’s remarkable upturn in form coincided precisely with Mohamed Salah’s departure for the African Cup of Nations with Egypt. During Salah’s absence, Liverpool’s attacking structure shifted, with Wirtz assuming a more pivotal role in the starting XI and receiving significantly more of the ball. He accumulated an impressive 103 touches against Burnley, with involvements spread across the final third.
With Salah now returning to the squad, questions arise about whether Wirtz will maintain his current level of involvement, as Liverpool may revert to patterns that favor their Egyptian star for switches of play. However, Slot’s tactical adjustments suggest the manager has found a way to accommodate both players’ attacking prowess.
Slot’s Tactical Adjustment
Recent matches have seen Arne Slot deploy either Alexis Mac Allister or Curtis Jones in the number 10 role, providing defensive solidity in midfield. This adjustment has allowed Wirtz to play higher up the pitch, drifting into holes and looking for two-versus-one scenarios on either corner of the 18-yard-box. Jones, in particular, has been a huge ally, making 81 passes to Wirtz—by far the most of any Liverpool player—during their five joint appearances in the last six matches.
This more orthodox central midfield setup provides Wirtz with the freedom to roam across the final third while maintaining defensive balance, creating an environment where the German’s talents can flourish.
Recent Performance Surge and Burnley Excellence
Wirtz’s exceptional form has continued into late January, accumulating six goal contributions in his last seven appearances. Against Burnley on January 17, 2026, he delivered a commanding performance with four shots and three chances created while dominating Liverpool’s build-up play between the lines. Journalists noted he appeared “a level above anyone else on the pitch,” operating at a different tempo from his teammates and repeatedly finding space to accelerate attacks before defenses could settle.
However, even with his goal in the Burnley match, Wirtz expressed frustration with Liverpool’s 1-1 draw, stating it “feels like a defeat.” Despite his individual excellence, he acknowledged the team needed to convert more of their numerous chances to win matches.
Physical Conditioning and Adaptation
Liverpool has placed Wirtz on a special bulk program to help him adapt to the intensity of Premier League football. Arne Slot confirmed the midfielder has been dealing with cramp issues as his body acclimates to the physical demands of English football. This targeted conditioning program supports Wirtz’s continued development as he builds match fitness and explosive power necessary for sustained excellence in the Premier League.
Season Overview and Future Prospects
| Overall Season Statistics | Details |
|---|---|
| Chances Created (Open Play) | 34 (Most for Liverpool) |
| Dribbles Completed | 30 (Team High) |
| Premier League Appearances | 21+ |
| Premier League Goals | 3+ |
| Premier League Assists | 1 |
| All Competition Goals and Assists | 6+ (last seven games) |
| Recent Form | 6 goal contributions in 7 appearances |
| Shot Conversion Rate | 21.4% (last six matches) |
While Wirtz’s recent form has been exceptional, his assist tally remains an area for improvement. For a player who reached double figures for both league goals and assists in each of his last two campaigns at Bayer Leverkusen, there remains scope for his output to increase significantly.
However, the broader picture is remarkably encouraging. Wirtz has created the most chances for Liverpool this season with 34 in open play, and his 30 completed dribbles represent a team high. His performances indicate that as his finishing consistency reaches the levels he achieved at Leverkusen and his tactical understanding deepens, Liverpool will have an extraordinarily dangerous attacking player. Liverpool legend Didi Hamann has tasked Wirtz with scoring more than 10 goals this season, recognizing his potential to deliver at a higher level.
Teammate Support and Integration
Jeremie Frimpong, who also joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen and played alongside Wirtz at his previous club, has backed his compatriot to flourish. Frimpong stated that Wirtz has “plenty more to come” and expressed confidence the midfielder will handle the pressure of his £116 million transfer fee, noting their shared journey from Leverkusen provides mutual support and understanding. This camaraderie has helped Wirtz integrate more smoothly into Liverpool’s culture and attacking system.
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FAQs
How many goal contributions does Wirtz have in his recent form streak?
Wirtz has accumulated six goal contributions in his last seven appearances across all competitions, including four goals and multiple assists.
What aspects of Wirtz’s game have improved most dramatically?
His shot conversion jumped from 0% to 21.4%, passes per 90 increased from 45.6 to 73.8, and touches in the opponent’s box nearly doubled from 5.02 to 7.92 per 90.
How has Arne Slot supported Wirtz’s development?
Slot has deployed Wirtz in multiple positions and used defensive-minded midfielders like Curtis Jones to provide him freedom in advanced areas. Liverpool also placed him on a special bulk program to adapt to the Premier League’s intensity.
Why was Wirtz’s Burnley performance particularly impressive?
He had four shots, created three chances, and dominated build-up play between the lines, operating “a level above anyone else on the pitch” according to analysts.
What challenge remains for Wirtz despite his excellent form?
His assist tally remains low with only one Premier League assist for the season. He needs to build consistency with double-digit goal and assist numbers to justify his £116m transfer fee.
