Florian Wirtz, Liverpool’s £116 million signing, acknowledges the growing expectations placed on him to influence matches under new manager Andoni Iraola. The 23-year-old Germany international has primarily been deployed as the team’s No.10 in Iraola’s midfield configuration as Liverpool aim to contend for the Premier League title in the manager’s first season in charge.

Since Iraola’s appointment, Wirtz has noted a clearer tactical vision and a developing team understanding. “I think [Iraola] has made his ideas very clear from the start,” Wirtz said. “The team understands it more and more, and we just make it better every week and in every game. It’s going in a good direction.” He added that while the team remains unbeaten early in the season, they have had games where scoring more goals was possible and that he personally feels the pressure to help decide those matches. “We need me and the attackers to finish the games off, so we definitely try to work on that,” Wirtz stated.

Wirtz’s performances have come under scrutiny given his hefty transfer fee, which has sparked debate over whether he has justified the investment. Last season, after arriving from Bayer Leverkusen, Wirtz’s output in the Premier League saw him tally just five goals and three assists amid Liverpool’s struggles that led to the dismissal of former manager Arne Slot. Early in the current campaign, he has provided only one assist in five appearances, coinciding with Liverpool’s mixed start of one win and three draws in the league.

Despite criticism, former Liverpool midfielder Vladimir Smicer and current coaching staff have expressed confidence in Wirtz’s potential. Smicer cautioned against letting the transfer fee overshadow the player’s development, emphasizing Wirtz’s youth and capacity for improvement. “He has more inside him and I think he will probably show it,” Smicer said, noting that expectations might currently be inflated due to his price tag.

Support has also come from Liverpool’s management. Iraola highlighted Wirtz’s ongoing efforts and overall contribution beyond goal involvements, stressing his understanding of the team’s needs. Meanwhile, former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, now head coach of the German national team, defended Wirtz’s commitment and work rate. Klopp commented on Wirtz’s extensive coverage of the pitch and urged a shift away from demanding special moments, focusing instead on how the player contributes as part of the collective effort.

Wirtz, who was rested for Liverpool’s recent Carabao Cup victory against Tottenham, appears optimistic about adapting further within Iraola’s system. He expressed belief that the team is building a solid foundation and aims to accumulate more points as the season progresses. The coming weeks will provide a clearer indication of whether Wirtz can consistently deliver the decisive performances Liverpool expect.