Few people understand what it takes to unlock world-class attacking talent better than Jürgen Klopp.
So when the former Liverpool manager speaks about Florian Wirtz, supporters should pay attention.
Klopp recently explained exactly how he believes Wirtz should be used, and his comments could provide a fascinating insight into how Liverpool’s new era under Andoni Iraola may develop.
“Get Him on the Ball”
Klopp’s message was simple.
“Wirtz gets fully into rhythm when he constantly gets the ball. It’s important to involve him because that’s when Flo can feel confident and comfortable on the pitch.”
That observation perfectly captures what makes Wirtz such a special player.
Unlike traditional attacking midfielders who wait for the game to come to them, Wirtz becomes increasingly influential the more involved he is.
The more touches he has.
The more confident he becomes.
And the more dangerous Liverpool become.
Don’t Ask Him to Play Too Deep
Perhaps the most interesting part of Klopp’s comments concerned Wirtz’s positioning.
“He shouldn’t drop back and get the ball from his own penalty area and expect him to start making plays.”
It is a reminder that not every creative player should be asked to dictate matches from deep.
Wirtz’s greatest strength lies closer to the opposition’s goal.
That is where his vision, quick feet and intelligence can do the most damage.
Rather than asking him to collect possession from defenders, Liverpool should focus on getting him the ball between the lines, where he can turn and attack.
Space Creator, Not Just Chance Creator
Klopp also highlighted something many supporters may overlook.
“With his positioning he creates a lot of space for the players next to him, for the full-backs and for everyone who can make runs into those spaces.”
That is one of Wirtz’s most valuable qualities.
Even when he does not have the ball, his movement forces defenders to make decisions.
Track him, and space opens elsewhere.
Leave him, and he can receive possession in dangerous areas.
It is this constant movement that makes him so difficult to defend.
Why This Fits Iraola Perfectly
These comments should excite Liverpool supporters.
Andoni Iraola’s football is built around quick transitions, intelligent movement and attacking the spaces opponents leave behind.
That philosophy appears tailor-made for Wirtz.
Rather than restricting him, Iraola’s system should allow him to drift into dangerous pockets, combine with teammates and influence attacks in exactly the areas Klopp describes.
With Alexander Isak making runs ahead of him and attacking full-backs providing width, Wirtz could become the creative heartbeat of Liverpool’s new-look side.
Liverpool Must Build Around Him
One lesson from Klopp’s comments is clear.
Liverpool should not simply accommodate Wirtz.
They should build around him.
The club invested heavily because they believe he is one of the finest young footballers in world football.
That belief now needs to be reflected tactically.
Get him involved early.
Keep him high up the pitch.
Allow him to create.
Allow him to roam.
Allow him to influence games.
Advice Worth Following
Jürgen Klopp knows better than most how to maximise elite attacking players.
His comments on Florian Wirtz are therefore more than just interesting observations.
They are a blueprint.
If Liverpool follow that blueprint, supporters could finally see the version of Wirtz that has dazzled across Europe for both club and country.
And if that happens, Liverpool may have one of the most influential attacking midfielders in world football at the heart of their team for years to come.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
