Iraola backs Wirtz ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Villarreal
Liverpool can make it three Champions League wins in a row when Villarreal visit Anfield on Tuesday, with Florian Wirtz again set to be a central focus after a difficult start to the season.
The Germany international has not scored in nine appearances in all competitions this term, although he has supplied three assists. Manager Andoni Iraola insisted the scrutiny around the 22-year-old has overlooked encouraging recent displays.
Quick facts
- Wirtz joined Liverpool in July 2025 and is contracted until June 2030.
- He has recorded seven goals and 13 assists in 58 Liverpool matches.
- His record at Bayer Leverkusen was 57 goals and 65 assists from 197 games.
- Liverpool are without injured pair Dominik Szoboszlai and Jeremie Frimpong.
- Victor Munoz scored against Brentford after being set up by Wirtz.
Iraola pointed to Wirtz’s contributions in the away match against LASK and in the Brentford game, saying the midfielder had helped the side both with and without the ball. He added that it was only fair to acknowledge strong performances after so much daily analysis of the player.
Wirtz arrived in England after an outstanding spell in Germany, where he won a domestic double and collected several Player of the Season awards. His Liverpool output has fallen short of those previous standards, increasing attention on his lack of goals.
There was, however, a positive link-up against Brentford. Wirtz provided the assist for Munoz, whose goal came while he was operating in an unfamiliar role at right-back.
Iraola praised Munoz’s willingness to fill gaps across the pitch, describing him as a player the staff know well and one prepared to assist wherever required. The Spaniard has played on either side and was deployed on the right of defence in the latest match.
With Szoboszlai and Frimpong sidelined, Liverpool face a demanding period with reduced options. Their prospects against Villarreal may depend heavily on Wirtz converting his recent all-round displays into the decisive attacking returns expected from the club’s leading creator.
