Florian Wirtz may not have grabbed the headlines after his first Premier League appearance, but he stood out for one aspect that points to his potential for Liverpool. Speaking to Wirtz's opponent, Adam Bate focuses on his often overlooked attribute…
Pictured: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz is an outstanding talent, complemented by an incredible work ethic.
He came on Friday night, perhaps not in peak form, but he showed easy, graceful movements and there was a special quality to his play. I am very much looking forward to seeing him again on Monday.
Jamie Carragher's assessment of Florian Wirtz's league debut highlighted the Reds' record signing's lack of goals and assists in a rousing 4-2 win over Bournemouth at Anfield, as the champions produced some spectacular football but looked vulnerable.
This has led to concerns that Liverpool are being left too open, both through the full-backs and the inclusion of Wirtz in support of the front three. Arne Sloot may consider using the German in the front three against Newcastle on Monday Night Football.
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But before we cast Wirtz as a purely luxury star, it's worth remembering one aspect of his game that may have been lost in the anticipation of the new acquisition: His movement off the ball is truly remarkable.
Stuttgart captain Atakan Karazor's words before Wirtz's Liverpool debut are memorable. “People may not realise, may not see on the pitch, that Florian Wirtz is constantly moving. He doesn't freeze,” Karazor said.
“Look at Florian Wirtz's running statistics. You'll find them in Kicker after the games.” This is a link to a German magazine that publishes the data weekly. “Florian Wirtz runs 12 to 13 kilometers per game every time,” Karazor added.
“Technique, dribbling, excellent. And football IQ of the highest level. But I think that's what's most unique about Florian Wirtz. He doesn't stop for 90 minutes.” The statistics from the match against Bournemouth confirm this.
Pictured: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz topped the league for sprints on the opening weekend of the season.
It's not just the overall distance that matters, but also its intensity. Wirtz has completed the most sprints in the Premier League's opening round. He is also the only player to have run over a kilometre at high intensity.
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There were two moments in his opening minutes of the league campaign that illustrated why this quality could be key to Liverpool's attempts to break down opposition defences this season. The first came just 105 seconds after kick-off at Anfield.
Pictured: Wirtz moves left to create space for Alexis MacAllister in midfield.
Operating as a number 10 and under marking, Wirtz responded to the goalkeeper's pass to Virgil van Dijk by running to the left, drawing the opponent with him and creating space for Alexis McAllister.
In the photo: After pulling back to the flank, Wirtz makes a sharp run from the side into the field.
When Mac Allister charged forward with the ball, Wirtz did not stay on the edge. Instead, he cut inside, making a penetrating run from the flank into the pitch. It was an unselfish move. He did not receive the ball himself, but his movement influenced Mac Allister's next move.
Pictured: Wirtz finds himself behind his marker after his second run and approaches the opposition penalty area.
A passing lane opened up for Cody Gakpo, and Wirtz found himself behind his marker Tyler Adams, showing off his trademark play. A similar situation developed in the fourth minute. Adams initially controlled the position, but not for long.
Pictured: Wirtz's man, Bournemouth's Tyler Adams, appears to be in complete control of him.
The Germany international was on the move and just six seconds later he had broken away from Adams, moving between two defenders to head home a potential Mohamed Salah cross.
Pictured: Wirtz moves forward and is ready to receive a cross.
The Egyptian decided to move inside and shoot himself, so Wirtz never got the ball. However, in both cases Adams certainly felt the problem that Karazor was talking about.
“As an opponent, you can't afford a second of relaxation,” he explained. “If you're distracted for even 10 or 20 seconds, you'll find Florian Wirtz on another part of the pitch, because he never stops moving. And with his skill, he's able to use that on the pitch.”
Pictured: Florian Wirtz's assists and chances created in Liverpool's match against Bournemouth
Finding the balance will still be a challenge for Slott. “We have players who maybe need that final pass or that difficult decision in the final stages of an attack a little more than we did last year because they are capable of making those passes,” he told Sky Sports.
Salah and Wirtz were the two who suffered the most offensive losses in the opening game. This is undoubtedly due to the frequent possession of the ball in dangerous areas, but also points to the riskiness of such tactics.
Regardless of how impressive or problematic his ball play turns out to be, it is already clear that it is his movement without the ball that will set Wirtz apart. The ability to make things difficult for opponents is well-known in the Bundesliga. In the Premier League, it will soon become clear to everyone.
Watch Monday Night Football Newcastle v Liverpool live on Sky Sports Premier League from 6.30pm; kick-off 8pm.
Sourse: skysports.com
