The Reasons Why The Reds Haven't Yet Found the Best from Florian Wirtz So Far

Analysis of Florian Wirtz's initial nine games for the Merseyside club has typically reached the same conclusion - it has been an disappointing beginning.

Several commentators have been more critical. Former England striker the Manchester United legend stated the expensive acquisition "disrupts the equilibrium" of Liverpool's structure.

"He's a top player and I'm sure he will improve - but he's experienced a slow start and I believe there's no question about that," commented the former striker.

Wirtz is still without a goal or register an goal contribution for his current team, but does that paint the complete story?

In this analysis we explore how good he has been, why he hasn't been delivering as anticipated yet, and how Liverpool could extract the best out of him.

The squad's balance is off, but they are evidently going through a period of change.

Manager the Dutch tactician has changed his tactical setup this season - and possibly the absence of right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold posed greater challenges than anticipated.

In a similar approach to the manager's Feyenoord team, the Premier League side are looking to play with a increased frequency of rotations between players, progressing through the middle of the field with rapid, small-space interplay.

It therefore makes sense for the attacking midfielder to be the primary attacking force to connect everything together.

But, in reality, he has been asked to perform a role that is somewhat altered from the position he is used to.

And that has reduced how often he positions himself in positions to find the net or create chances.

It doesn't get the maximum potential out of the player as an singular talent, but he hasn't performed bad in this sub-optimal position.

Wirtz is getting the possession deeper with increasing frequency.

Alexander-Arnold was outstanding in his capability to pass the play when playing deep, and Liverpool seem sorely missing that attribute.

Captain Virgil van Dijk's diagonal passes to forward Mohamed Salah is a great method for them to move the ball up the pitch consistently. Alternatively, Liverpool are missing the passing quality in their defensive line to locate team-mates in advanced positions.

This duty has been placed on Wirtz at certain moments. He has been dropping deep to receive the possession before changing direction and attempting to carry it up the pitch. He is capable to do this because of his skill level, but it is reducing the opportunities he spends close to the opposition goal.

Should possession duties can be taken by another player, it possibly enables Wirtz to operate higher up the pitch.

The academy graduate has the ability to perform this function in a double pivot or on the left wing, and could represent an option Slot could turn to as he aims to enhance Wirtz's natural game.

One of the most significant differences Wirtz is experiencing in the English top flight is the reduced space and increased pressure exerted to him.

Operating centrally between the defensive units against extremely organized defensive sides such as Crystal Palace, Wirtz has been positioned with less opportunity and space to play.

During his time at his former club, there were games in which Wirtz would stand on the left flank while his colleagues progressed the ball forward before finding him.

In other situations, he would operate in middle attacking midfield areas, particularly against opponents that offered more space between the defensive units in matches that developed into more counter-attacking in nature.

Former Bayer boss the Spanish manager utilized Wirtz effectively because both of these situations would enable him to receive the ball with separation - meaning he could collect and drive forward with room between himself and a defender.

For extracting the maximum out of the player, getting the possession to him when there is not instant pressure on him is optimal.

Whenever he is capable to receive the ball on the turn and drive it forward - with space between himself and the nearby player - he is able to use body feints and a variation in pace to destabilize opposition defences.

Comparably to the Merseyside club attacker the England international, his best work both on the ball carrying and in his passing originates from scenarios in which he is carrying the possession and driving at defenders.

This is why many of the German's most impressive moments this season have come in counter-attacks.

Separation can be found by positioning him on the wing initially or by passing to him in the midfield quickly. When he is operating between the lines, particularly when an rival team's defensive shape is spread, colleagues must therefore execute forward balls to find the midfielder.

The Premier League's physical demands has tactical implications but also affects footballers personally - and Wirtz appears to have not yet completely adjusted to this change.

With the manager's faster and more position-switching approach of offensive play, Liverpool are susceptible to counter-attacks, with fewer bodies supporting the play. This demands forward players like Wirtz to counter-press with energy when the possession is turned over.

The young talent has completely dedicated himself to the out-of-possession instructions and has harassed energetically. Offensively, he is being encouraged to drop deep to help in building up while maintaining the licence to contribute to offensive moves on both the left side and right.

This combination is demanding on fitness, and several of his subpar on-the-ball decisions may be down to tiredness. Of all players to play significant game time in the top division this campaign, the German has run the fifth most ground per 90 minutes and the highest of any club player.

During a recent discussion with German media, Wirtz discussed the contrast in his displays this campaign compared to the previous year.

He said Slot had voiced a opinion "it might be because we press a lot and I run a considerably".

Wirtz added: "For example, the running stats: I'm always at the forefront there because I attempt to push hard and execute what the manager demands. I require a significant power and energy for that. Whenever I have the ball, I could be missing a small amount. The expectation it will simply come progressively, as I gain more experience, improve physically, be able to perform actions more effortlessly, and subsequently, whenever I have the play, be {fit|conditioned