Iraola wants the best version of Florian Wirtz at Liverpool.

Great star at his former team, but at Anfield, he often found himself competing for touches with talented teammates. The positional change and team dynamics did not favor his playing style at all. In Leverkusen, the German had a central role, being responsible for creating plays and finishing. That freedom was severely restricted in his first season with the Reds, resulting in disappointing numbers.

The new coach, Andoni Iraola, takes on the responsibility of reversing this situation. With a clear approach on how he intends to utilize Wirtz, Iraola plans to position him as a number 10, a role he is more familiar with and that can maximize his impact on the team. “We need a very good version of Florian,” said Iraola, emphasizing the player's importance in his strategy. The focus on Wirtz reflects the confidence the coach has placed in him, considering him a key element for the team's success this season.

Iraola's decision not to use Wirtz in the pre-season games has a strategic logic. By opting to place Dominik Szoboszlai in deeper positions, the coach is ensuring that once Wirtz is fully recovered, he will have a guaranteed space in the attacking midfield. This choice not only preserves Wirtz's potential but also allows Iraola to experiment with different formations and tactics without compromising effectiveness.

If Wirtz can quickly adapt and return to showing his best football, he could be a crucial asset for Liverpool, who are looking to bounce back from a disappointing season. The pressure is on, and expectations are high. How Wirtz adapts to this new approach under Iraola's guidance could not only define his career at Anfield but also directly influence the team's overall performance in the fight for the title and in European competitions. With the start of the new season just around the corner, all eyes will be on the player's development and the impact he could have on the Reds' renewed ambitions.