Liverpool's new Florian Wirtz: Your time is now

Liverpool need someone to step up and be their new Florian Wirtz. The Reds are crying out for it.

Florian Wirtz had a slow start to life at Liverpool but there's no question that they miss him when he's not there these days. The German has been knitting the attack together over a difficult period.

In fact, it's increasingly becoming his attack. Mo Salah's regression this season opened the door for someone and Wirtz stepped up. Now it's just about getting the numbers to justify being the main man.

Though, that relies on him being fit. And with Wirtz out injured, it's abundantly clear that Liverpool do not have backup.

Florian Wirtz: Situation Summary

Current Injury Status

Wirtz is currently sidelined with a back injury sustained during the pre-match warm-up against Nottingham Forest in late February. Head coach Arne Slot confirmed on March 2 that the 22-year-old will miss Tuesday’s Premier League match against Wolves and remains a "major doubt" for Friday’s FA Cup tie against the same opponents. The club hopes to have him back by next week, with Dominik Szoboszlai expected to fill his role in the interim.

Transfer and Contract Context

Arrival: Wirtz joined Liverpool in June 2025 from Bayer Leverkusen for a Premier League record fee of £116 million (€125m) plus add-ons.

Contract: He is under contract at Anfield until June 30, 2030.

2025/26 Performance

After a slow start to his debut campaign, Wirtz found significant form in early 2026. Prior to his injury, he recorded 4 goals and 2 assists during January alone. Overall, he has contributed 6 goals and 8 assists across 35 appearances in all competitions this season.

Analysis

Liverpool may have scored five against West Ham United but they were't exactly free-flowing goals. The Reds relied on three set-pieces and an own goal in a 5-2 win.

An xG from open play of 1.22 isn't brilliant. It is, however, largely what Liverpool have been outputting of late and especially when Wirtz isn't in the team.

He's been the one making things happen in that final third and without him, the Reds lack ideas. So Liverpool desperately need someone to step up and fill his role, especially with Wirtz missing the next two matches.

And maybe that's Salah drifting centrally. Maybe it's Cody Gakpo, who was moved into the middle against West Ham late on. Or maybe there's a younger player capable of offering some sort of craft as a no.10 - we'd love for Kieran Morrison to get minutes.

Liverpool need the new Wirtz to step up, though. This set piece streak is only going to last so long.

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