Wirtz shines for Germany as Liverpool form lags

Florian Wirtz, Liverpool's high‑profile summer signing, has yet to open his account for the club but showed encouraging signs during the international break, training extra with Germany and producing a lively performance in their 4-0 win over Luxembourg. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder, who moved from Bayer Leverkusen for a reported fee of about 116 million euros rising toward 140 million with add-ons, has drawn scrutiny after failing to register a goal or assist for Liverpool this season, though he provided an assist in the Community Shield.

Statistical measures point to a drop in his influence at Anfield rather than a loss of ability. Data comparing his Leverkusen seasons with the current campaign show Wirtz averaging far fewer touches overall and markedly fewer in the attacking third. Progressive passing and the number of passes he receives have also fallen, reducing his opportunities to play decisive line-breaking passes and create shots. Observers say those changes have limited his capacity to affect games in the way he did in Germany.

Wirtz has been used in several roles by Liverpool manager Arne Slot, including as a central number 10 and on the left flank. The player...