Big Expectations and a Costly Slump
Liverpool broke their transfer record last summer when they spent 117.5 million euros to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. The German playmaker was named the best player in the Bundesliga at just 20 years of age. Many expected him to become one of the top stars in the Premier League right away.
Instead, Liverpool fell into an unexpected slump. The team suffered 12 league defeats after losing only four times the previous season. They dropped 24 points compared to their 84 point title winning campaign and finished closer to the relegation spots than the top. Manager Arne Slot was sacked, while the club also agreed to terminate the contract of Mohamed Salah.
The Numbers Behind the Struggle
Wirtz has become an easy target for criticism during this difficult run. He has recorded just five goals and three assists since arriving in England. This season, he has managed only a single assist for an attack that continues to misfire.
Former players have called for him to be dropped, and fans are split on whether the club should move on. Yet his previous numbers show why Liverpool paid so much money for his signature. At Leverkusen, Wirtz matched elite standards set by players like Lionel Messi, Eden Hazard, Michael Olise, and Lamine Yamal. He was one of the very few attackers who could combine heavy touches, high passing accuracy, frequent dribbles, and box entries over full seasons.
Fewer Touches in Dangerous Areas
A closer look at the pitch explains why his output has dried up. Wirtz simply is not seeing enough of the ball at Liverpool. He is averaging nearly 20 fewer touches per match compared to his time in Germany.
His touches in the attacking third have fallen from 50 per game with Leverkusen down to 35 with Liverpool. Most notably, he is rarely receiving the ball in central positions just outside the penalty box. Without regular possession in those dangerous zones, his shots, dribbles, and chances created have all dropped.
Read next
- Football predictions today
- Jackpot predictions this week
- Premier League and every other league
- Premier League official website
Good to know: We are not paid for any link on this page.
Be the first to comment
Tell us who you think wins and why. Keep it friendly. Links are removed on their own.
Note: comments are the writer own opinion, not ours, and never a tip from us.
18+Read this before you bet
- There are no sure bets. Every tip on this page is a chance worked out from data about the next game. A tip at 70 percent still loses about three times in ten. Anyone selling a sure bet or a fixed match is lying.
- Betting is not income. Never bet to pay rent, school fees or a loan, and never borrow to bet, including from mobile loan apps.
- 18 and over only. Betting under 18 is illegal in Kenya.
- Use licensed bookmakers. Only bet with operators licensed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya. Prices here can change before you bet, so check them first.
- Gambling can be addictive. If it stops being fun, stop. Read our responsible betting page or visit Responsible Gaming Federation of Kenya.
Good to know: We are not a bookmaker and we do not take bets. Full details are in our disclaimer.
