The maximization of the space on a football field can be complex, but Florian Wirtz makes it simple.
The ability of striker Bayer Leverkusen to fill the gaps intelligently and to transform this positioning into productivity helps to explain why he is one of the most coveted players in Europe this summer.
Bayern Munich now believes that the playmaker will not join them and is on the right track for a move to Liverpool if he leaves Bayer Leverkusen, as indicated by Athletics.
The clamor on Wirtz is obvious. He was 22 years old three weeks ago and is already one of the best players in the Bundesliga. Few attackers are mixed with its mixture of balls carrying bullets, incisive passage and spatial conscience.
But would he integrate into Liverpool?
How does Florian Wirtz play?
Wirtz is a versatile and straight foot forward. As shown in the graph below, it is the best as a midfielder attacking on the left side but can play as a leftIe, in central positions and even on the right side.
The German international of 29 passes operates almost exclusively in the last third. Through the leagues `Big Four ” of Europe (Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga in Spain and Serie A) this season, only Jeremy Doku from Manchester City tried more passes in the third striker than the 32.4 for 90 minutes of Wirtz. Its efficiency at such a high volume is made possible by two main qualities: positioning and speed of thought.
Wirtz’s mind seems to work faster than those of the other 21 players on the field. It includes opposition structures a few minutes in a game and adapts its positioning to drag the defenders in unwanted positions.
This sequence, from the second minute of the Legrsen match in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid in January, is an excellent example. Wirtz means that his sudden Sprint signature will receive a pass, with his marker, Pablo Barrios, slow to react.
Wirtz plays a first pass and revolves around Barrios. When the return ball arrives, it has room to meet, while Jeremie Frimpong’s availability to receive a lagging pass from the left rear of Atletico Javi Galan. Frimpong is faster than Galan and can use the space behind.
In the 20th minute of the same match, Wirtz positioned himself between the lines while Leverkusen played largely in Frimpong.
Frimpong beats Galan and Crosss in Wirtz, which still occupies this gap in both banks of Atletico. From there, Wirtz has time to control the ball and shoot a flyman, forcing Jan Oblak to save.
A common view with Wirtz is its ability to accelerate instantly after receiving the ball, giving defenders a limited time to react.
In this example of the December match at Home against St Pauli, he received the balloon from Alejandro Grimaldo in his favorite area on the field. Wirtz immediately supports the goal and the Muscade a defender to make a good measure before scoring.
On each occasion, the positioning of Wirtz is made possible by a movement out of the diabolically intelligent balloon, with side passes or teammates often acting as triggers so that it moves in space.
“What I do is especially very spontaneous because it seems that it is the best solution in this situation,” Wirtz told Werkself Magazin. “But sometimes I suspect or I know in advance what the opponent will do, and it’s easier to do my own things because I can see how opponents move and when they dive.
“This is one of my strengths that sometimes I know in advance what will happen – and then I can focus on the solution, so that I plan the situation and create an advantage.
“I learned to look at what others do and make the best decision. You must always be ready to learn if you want to become a better player. ”
This state of mind allows Wirtz to produce moments defining the game to a world class volume. He also has a variety of passes in his locker, including crossroads outside the boot such as the one below Borussia Dortmund this month …
… And passes disguised like this through the ball against Heidenheim last season.
Wirtz also complies with his shots, obtaining 47% of his objective attempts in Target, at a rate of almost two for 90 minutes of his Bundesliga career. In accordance with its ability to make the right decision, its objective expected by shooting (XG, measuring the average quality of its shots) is 0.13.
Without the balloon, Wirtz uses energy thrusts to put pressure on opponents, which often flows from the inside to prevent them from progressing on the ball in a centralized manner and likes to challenge duels.
“I just have the physical to take up a lot of challenges. I give everything in every match so that we can win. So I also look for challenges or I come back because it’s part of my team to succeed. I want to give everything and run until I can’t,” added Wirtz in the same interview.
How could Wirtz improve Liverpool?
Arne Slot most often used Dominik Szoboszlai as a Liverpool attacker midfielder in his first season as a Liverpool chief coach, but the International Hongré did not necessarily show all the features that you generally associate with a player in this position.
Szoboszlai was a crucial cog in the slot system, but as much for his out -of -ball energy in possession and off possession as all his qualities with the ball at his feet.
“It is a bit underestimated,” said Slot about Szoboszlai at a press conference after the home victory of 4-1 in January against Ipswich Town. “Not by me, but he does not always get the merit of being very important for this team. His work rate is incredible.”
The underlying races were a crucial part of the Liverpool attack game this season, with the defenders of the altruistic opposition of Szoboszlai with him – making room so that the wingers enter inside and swing in back crossings for a teammate in a way.
Although its altruistic race is precious, a return of six goals in the Premier League and seven assists of 35 league appearances suggests that there is room for improving the attack production of Szoboszlai – something that Slot called very early.
“We have to work to make it even more involved in the objectives and the creation of chances,” said Slot in September. “Last season, he scored three in the league, and for an attacking midfielder in Liverpool, his figures must increase.”
Wirtz’s basic attack numbers are stronger, with 21 goals and 23 assists in the Bundesliga since the start of last season illustrating greater power at the end of the field, although playing in a different league.
These are different types of footballers. Wirtz focuses more on the microphone, with delicate touches and skillful films, compared to the macro of energy and power of Szoboszlai. The two skills sets have their place according to the opposition – if he joined them, the close control of Wirtz and the transport of the ball would add another dimension to the attack of Liverpool rather than transforming it.
Slot widely played with a central striker this season, but also used a 4-2 system involving two fields of land attacking in the middle, while Curtis Jones partnered with Szoboszlai at the top of the field-especially in his 2-0 victory against Manchester City in December.
The experience managed to day while Liverpool brought together one of their best performances of the season, but there are a few ways in which Wirtz could have disturbed City if he had played in this match.
Liverpool used the following structure when they had possession, corresponding to their four attackers against the back line of the local team.
On other occasions, they allowed their large players to occupy the rear, while Szoboszlai became the nominal striker and Jones fell to play the back on goal.
In the 17th minute, Jones received a pass in the position placed between the lines of the city:
He turns around and instinctively plays a bullet intended for Szoboszlai, but City intercepts and goes by the attack. In a similar situation, Wirtz would argue to move forward, giving Mohamed Salah and Szoboszlai an additional second to do the right shopping behind.
A good example of this one came in November against Bochum, where Wirtz is positioned between the lines, the pipes and helps Frimpong, a player with whom he often combined in Leverkusen and is another target of Liverpool.
Wirtz’s ability to play anywhere on the front line would add an additional layer of versatility to the slot tactical configuration, allowing it to rotate its attack options during and between games without any reduction in quality. Whether in the pockets against deep blocks, pulling wide to escape his marker or by carrying the ball alone, Wirtz can do a little.
The first season of Slot saw Liverpool scoring through their great players rather than depending on a center-forward. Wirtz could integrate brilliantly into this mold, raising the need to sign a higher attacker, a notoriously difficult market. Given his youth, he could also help Liverpool prepare for life after Salah, who will be 33 years next month.
(Top Photo: Getty Images)
