Effenberg defends Wirtz and demands clear role definition at Liverpool

While Florian Wirtz is still fighting for his place at the Liverpool Reds in England, Stefan Effenberg raises his voice loudly and emphasizes that the 23‑year‑old dribbler can be just as good there as he is at home with Bayer 04 Leverkusen. The former professional delivers clear words that fuel the current debate about Wirtz’s position in the national team.

Wirtz’s Rise under Xabi Alonso

Under the then‑coach Xabi Alonso, Wirtz developed at Bayer 04 Leverkusen into one of the Bundesliga’s great flag‑bearers. His performances made him a coveted target for top clubs, and it was not surprising that Liverpool was eventually able to sign the German prospect in a record deal.

Difficult Start at the Reds

On the island, the former Leverkusen player has still struggled in his second year at the Reds to find his footing, and consequently often finds himself in a critical light. Despite his attacking qualities, he is repeatedly deployed on the left‑wing, which, according to Effenberg, adds to his criticism.

Effenberg said in a double pass: “We all agree where Flo Wirtz belongs, where he feels most comfortable. He showed it at Leverkusen, he does the same at Liverpool, there he keeps getting better. And now also in the national team.” He emphasized that Wirtz can decide games from there, as he did most recently against Serbia.

Peter Neururer agreed and added: “Finally Florian Wirtz can play in the position where he is strong, where he grew up, where he has sometimes been called world‑class. On the left wing he is cut off and dependent on other people.”

Effenberg also criticised the practice of shoving players into unsuitable positions: “If you push a player onto a position where they do not feel comfortable, it does not work,” said the 58‑year‑old former professional.

Finally, Effenberg warned of a new debate once Jamal Musiala is fit again: the discussion about Wirtz’s number‑10 role could then reach a completely different level, because Musiala would also be fully available. Thus he presents the positional question in the national team as more exciting than that concerning other players such as Joshua Kimmich.