Germany's head coach Jurgen Klopp is intent on reviving Florian Wirtz's fortunes, aiming to bring back the flair that saw the young midfielder shine in the Bundesliga. This revival could be just what Liverpool need, as the 23-year-old has yet to replicate his previous level at Anfield.
According to The Times journalist Paul Joyce, Klopp views Wirtz as most effective on the left flank when he faces goal. In such a role, he enjoyed significant success at Bayer Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso, particularly in tandem with Granit Xhaka and Alex Grimaldo.
Wirtz missed Germany's opening match under Klopp against the Netherlands, which ended in a 1-1 draw, but he is set to join the squad for upcoming fixtures against Serbia and Greece.
At Liverpool, however, Wirtz has struggled to make an impact. This season, he has registered just one assist across six games. The Merseysiders splashed out £100 million for his services in the summer, with an additional £16 million in performance-related bonuses.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has pointed out that Wirtz's performance has lacked bite, failing to pose a genuine threat to opposition goals. Following a narrow 1-0 victory over Bournemouth, Carragher described his display as one of the poorest he has witnessed from the German in a Reds shirt.
Another former Liverpool midfielder, Ray Houghton, believes the club should consider bringing in another player in the 'number 10' role:
I think we need another player like that. Having two number 10s in the squad would offer us more options.
We have two strikers, four wingers, and four central midfielders. But I don't see two number 10s, and that position needs someone who can add a touch of magic.
If one is having an off day, it’s handy to have another ready to step in. It will be interesting to see what the manager decides. All clubs are after such players because they can change the course of a match.
Now, Klopp will have the opportunity to work with Wirtz in the national team set-up, with the hope that a return to form will benefit both him and Liverpool upon his return.
