30 Jun 2026 04:01:11
Well,
From a selfish perspective, great that our boy Flo has a few weeks off now. Back for pre season allot earlier then expected and will have a few weeks to work with Andoni!
30 Jun 2026 08:13:33
Not sure if anyone else feels the same, but Flo's performances in the WC have been pretty underwhelming, bearing in mind Germany had a reasonably easy group to navigate. He should be taking those games by the short & curly's, but apart from a few moments didn't really deliver.
Just hoping that it's a confidence issue following on from the past season, and again hoping that Iraola can get the best out of him, but I'm starting to have doubts.
{Ed078's Note - granted I only watched highlights (the world cup bores the tits off of me), but he seemed to be involved in almost every goal, crafting good opportunities?
30 Jun 2026 08:28:29
Wirtz was creating chances and was one of Germany's better players.
30 Jun 2026 08:33:19
There's no doubt that Wirtz needs to improve.
I think the high energy that Iraola plays should hopefully suit him down to the ground. I'm very hopeful we see the best Wirtz this season. And Isak.
I still think these guys are the Salah replacements and for us to reach the levels of before, these guys need to start firing.
30 Jun 2026 08:49:04
He was probably the most creative in an average Germany side. He's played off the left for them and done ok.
In European games, I've no concerns with him, but in the Premier League he hasn't got the pace or power to play off the left and I'm not sure he's better than Szob as a Premier League 10.
30 Jun 2026 09:24:26
I'm not disputing his goal involvements, but bearing in mind it was an average group they came through, plus they would've fancied their chances in last night's game, he's not being the talisman player I want to see, or hoping to see.
Again, fingers crossed Iraola can get the best out of him.
30 Jun 2026 09:49:21
Bristol, what talisman is he for Germany? Everything does not go thru Wirtz cos they have other midfielders like Nmecha who get forward to create and assist, as well. So the "talisman you want to see" only depends on the way Germany play, and if Germany don't play that way, you won't see what you want. Those are the facts.
Also, the way Germany have attacked this WC is very multi-faceted and Wirtz is a key cog in that aspect, esp. drifting out on the left to cut in and create, something he did efficiently in terms of actual chance creation and assists.
He is not the cog/talisman or whatever, imo. Teams don't play that way anymore.
Lastly, Germany being in an "average" group is not Wirtz's fault, and judging by who kicked them out, there aren't that many average teams/groups anymore, so it seems you are clutching here. imo, Flo has had a very good WC individually and that can only bode well for him going into next season.
Esp. with a new manager and a style that suits him cos he played in it at Leverkusen. Here's to hoping he can keep improving, which, in the end, is what you, I and everyone want.
{Ed025's Note - lets be honest Oli Florian Worst was terrible in the tournament mate...nearly as bad as he has been for Liverpool..i dont get the hype..
30 Jun 2026 09:51:22
With Wirtz, he isn't the kind of player to take over a game like a Suarez.
He's more elegant and subtle.
The key is having players connecting to him and playing around him.
He needs to be the connecting piece but if he is just a player on one side of the pitch then it'll look like he's not in the game.
{Ed025's Note - elegant and subtle?...is that a codeword for crap Faith?.. :)
30 Jun 2026 11:06:48
OliRed, Bristol_Red is allowed to be disappointed.
30 Jun 2026 11:03:33
its what the kids these days use for overrated Ed.
{Ed025's Note - i think you must be right FM..
30 Jun 2026 11:10:12
Ed25, let it go. Your "opinion" on LFC players is well and truly documented. I propose you get out of the game of assessing LFC players with the "record" you possess.
And @Faith I fully agree with you, as my post suggests re: Wirtz being a key cog in a system, not the main cog because teams don't play that way anymore.
{Ed025's Note - cogs have to have teeth Oli...Worst does not im afraid mate, im not being tribal at all, i just use my eyes..
30 Jun 2026 11:20:01
ed25 - the codeword you are looking for there is 'Andre Gomes'
:p
{Ed025's Note - yeah another time waster Faith..