Jurgen Klopp has some sage advice for incoming Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola: get the ball to Florian Wirtz.
Former Reds boss Klopp departed Anfield two years ago. In that time, he saw his successor Arne Slot pick up the Premier League trophy before being sacked this summer and replaced by Iraola.
Wirtz was one of the new signings that was supposed to power Slot’s side towards a competitive defence of their league title. But the German initially struggled to settle in English football, before an upturn in form at the turn of the year was thwarted by injury issues.
The former Bayer Leverkusen man scored seven goals in 49 appearances across the campaign, ensuring he was outscored by his captain Virgil van Dijk, who finished with eight. It is the creative side of his game that he is most valued for though. After registering eight assists in all competitions in his maiden Reds campaign, he will be eyeing an improvement in that number when he plays in Iraola’s more attacking style.
Wirtz shines at the World Cup
Wirtz is currently with Germany at the World Cup, where he played the full 90 minutes in his side’s 2-1 win over Ivory Coast on Saturday night, having done the same in the 7-1 win over Curacao.
Klopp watched the game in Toronto as a pundit for German channel Magenta TV, and he said that Wirtz needs to be given the ball as high up the pitch as possible to create space for his side.
“The important thing is that we involve him in the game. There were moments against Curacao when I thought, just give him the ball,” said Klopp.
“Not even because he was the best passing option, but because, as a teammate, I want Flo Wirtz to feel good.
“If I were (defender Nico) Schlotterbeck, I’d just give him the ball five times for no particular reason and see what he does.
“If you really want Flo Wirtz to get into a rhythm, if you want the place to really be buzzing, then give him the ball, because that’s when he feels completely at home.
“It’s important to involve him because that’s when Flo can feel confident and comfortable on the pitch.
“He shouldn’t drop back and get the ball from his own penalty area and we expect him to start making plays. We have to find moments where we can use this position, because with his positioning he creates a lot of space for the players next to him, for the full backs and for everyone who can make runs into those spaces.”
The bottom line
Give him the ball. Let him play. Watch him create.
Klopp’s message to Iraola couldn’t be clearer. Wirtz is a player who needs to be trusted, involved and given the freedom to express himself.
The German struggled in his first season at Liverpool. But the talent is undeniable.
Iraola’s attacking style could be the key to unlocking him.
Germany are top of their group. Wirtz is playing full minutes. The World Cup is his stage.
Now it’s up to Iraola to make sure he does the same at Anfield. As Klopp said: just give him the ball.
