Florian Wirtz Reveals His Ideal Liverpool Role Under Andoni Iraola as Alexander Isak Partnership Takes Shape

Liverpool attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz is hoping to play a key role for LFC going into the new season. 

Following a slightly underwhelming debut campaign at the Reds, the 23-year-old showed in glimpses why Liverpool pushed so hard to sign him, amid interest from other top European clubs. 

However, he didn't display this technical quality anywhere near often enough for Liverpool, and appeared to struggle with the physical demands of the Premier League.

But the German international is determined to step up in season two at Anfield, and he recently did an interview explaining what he thought of his first season on Merseyside, his growing relationship with Alexander Isak, and conversations he has had with new manager Andoni Iraola.

Wirtz On His First Season In The Premier League

Speaking with Paul Joyce, Wirtz admits his first season at Liverpool was a major learning experience and believes simply having a year of Premier League football under his belt will leave him better prepared this time around.:

“I definitely learned a lot. I just learned how Premier League football is played and I think I am more ready for my second season because I know how it is now. I am really excited for my next season.

I’ve played one year now in England and I’ve said often enough that it’s a different style of football than in Germany. You just get used to the games and your opponents. I just know how it is now, so I’m happy to have my next season.”

The midfielder also acknowledged that last season was difficult for Liverpool as a whole, while suggesting there is a noticeably different atmosphere around the squad heading into the new campaign:

“[It is a] difficult question [to assess my first season] but, of course, there were some games when I wasn’t happy with myself, but also a lot of games when I felt good on the pitch. Last season was difficult for the whole club but, hopefully, we have the right energy and mentality this season, so every player can shine more.”

Wirtz on his growing relationship with Alexander Isak

Florian Wirtz was not the only big-money signing that came through the AXA doors last summer, as a summer-long saga involving former Newcastle striker Alexander Isak culminated in the Swedish striker making the move to Anfield on Deadline Day. 

However, the 26-year-old endured a miserable campaign at the Reds, as he started with a significant amount of fitness to catch up on following months of not playing, then he suffered a broken leg against Spurs, just as it seemed that he was getting back towards his best. 

But Wirtz spoke after Liverpool's most recent pre-season game against Monaco, and explained that he believes that the pair are beginning to understand each other's movements and that their early combinations have been encouraging:

“I think [against Monaco] and last game against Leeds, we had some good combinations. Also, we created some chances together. He is a very, very good player and I enjoy playing with him. We have to work on the connection but we are still in pre-season and I think until now it is good.”

For Liverpool, developing that partnership could be one of the most important objectives of the new campaign.

If Wirtz can consistently find the spaces between midfield and defence while Isak provides the movement and finishing ahead of him, the pair have the potential to become a major attacking threat.

Wirtz on his conversations with Andoni Iraola and what position he may feature the most for LFC going into the new season

Often last season under Arne Slot, it seemed that the Dutch manager didn't really know how to get the best out of Wirtz, with the German being played in a variety of positions for LFC, including left wing, right wing, and as a false nine. 

But with Andoni Iraola, this seems much clearer, with the Spanish coach stating early on that he sees Wirtz as a player who plays behind the central striker in the Number 10 position, and this idea was backed by Wirtz himself:

“Of course we spoke about this [playing in the No.10 role], I think it is important to know which position you are going to play

I know that I can probably play different positions, but No 10 is my favourite and maybe my best position, so let’s see how this works out.”

Author's Verdict

If Liverpool are to be a success under new manager Andoni Iraola, then getting Florian Wirtz to play his best football is key. And to hear that he and Alexander Isak are building that on the pitch, chemistry will be music to LFC fans' ears.

Additionally, the fact that Wirtz and Iraola have had conversations over where the pair of them see the German in this Liverpool team will give Liverpool fans plenty of reason to be optimistic, knowing that he perhaps isn't going to be shuffled around the attacking roles quite so much this season.