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Andoni Iraola seeks to unlock Florian Wirtz's potential at Liverpool

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 15, 2026, 10:15 AM

Last updated Jun 15, 2026

Andoni Iraola seeks to unlock Florian Wirtz's potential at Liverpool

Summary

Florian Wirtz is under scrutiny at Liverpool as Andoni Iraola takes charge. The German forward, who joined from Bayer Leverkusen for a record £116m last summer, struggled to meet expectations during his first season. Wirtz's recent performance for Germany in a 7-1 World Cup victory against Curacao, where he played effectively on the left, has generated optimism. He created a goal and had 39 touches in the final third, showing glimpses of his talent. Iraola aims to establish a role for Wirtz that allows him to thrive.

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By the Numbers

•Wirtz joined Liverpool for £116m last summer.
•He struggled to find form during the last season.
•Wirtz assisted a goal and had 39 touches in Germany's win.
•Iraola looks to find a suitable role for Wirtz at Liverpool.
•Performance at the World Cup could influence his future contributions.

Latest Updates

10:15 AMYahoo Sports — Can Iraola release the real Wirtz?

What they're saying

"
Florian Wirtz arrived at Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen last summer amid great fanfare in a then-British record £116m deal - but remained an enigma as he fell far short of expectations. Liverpool still have huge hopes for a gifted attacking player who has only just turned 23, which means one of Andoni Iraola's main tasks is to find a settled position for the German to release the talent he demonstrated before moving to Anfield. This is why Iraola will have been intrigued by what he saw from Wirtz in Germany's 7-1 win against Curacao in their opening World Cup game.
— Yahoo Sports

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