Florian Wirtz made a whopping £116 million move from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool this summer, showing the Premier League champions’ determination to strengthen their squad. The German midfielder was part of a £400 million spending spree that also brought in players like Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike to boost Liverpool’s attacking options.
Liverpool started the 2025/26 season strong with five consecutive Premier League wins before suffering two losses domestically and one in the Champions League leading into the international break. Wirtz has yet to showcase the form that convinced Liverpool to invest heavily in him, despite being ranked as the best attacking midfielder by FourFourTwo. However, former Leverkusen and Germany legend Jens Nowotny believes that Wirtz has the potential to become a future Ballon d’Or winner.
Jens Nowotny, discussing Wirtz’s potential, mentioned, “When Xabi Alonso took over at Leverkusen, he realized he could build the team’s playing style around Florian Wirtz. They didn’t have to play only on the counter-attack, they could dominate possession and look for little openings because Wirtz is very capable of finding pockets, collecting the ball in tight spaces, and playing quick passes.” Nowotny praised Wirtz’s impact during Leverkusen’s successful 2023/24 season, where they secured a historic Double. Nowotny highlighted how Wirtz’s playing style aligns well with Liverpool’s fast-paced transitions and high-pressing tactics, making him a valuable asset for the club.
Wirtz has played ten games for Liverpool this season, contributing with just one assist so far. However, Nowotny remains optimistic, stating, “It may take time for Wirtz to find his best form, but it also depends on how quickly those around him adapt to his speed of thought.” Nowotny emphasized Wirtz’s work rate off the ball, describing him as a pressing machine with excellent interception skills. Despite his slow start at Liverpool, Nowotny believes Wirtz’s move to the club will elevate his game and potentially lead him to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or in the future.
Joe Mewis, a seasoned football journalist, has covered various football events and worked with reputable publications like Mirror Football and LeedsLive. Mewis, who also authored several football history books, including ones on Leeds United and the England national team, offers a unique perspective on the sport. Currently working as a digital marketing coordinator at Harrogate Town, Mewis cherishes memorable career moments such as attending Marcelo Bielsa’s Spygate press conference and witnessing Leeds lift the Championship trophy during a challenging period.
Overall, Florian Wirtz’s move to Liverpool signifies a significant investment by the club in a promising talent, with high hopes for his future success. Nowotny’s belief in Wirtz’s potential to reach the pinnacle of football by winning the Ballon d’Or adds to the excitement surrounding the young midfielder’s career at Liverpool. As the season progresses, Wirtz’s adaptation to Liverpool’s style of play and his teammates’ understanding of his abilities will be crucial in unlocking his full potential on the field.
