Liverpool’s £115 million signing Florian Wirtz made his Premier League bow against Bournemouth, and while fans only saw flashes of his trademark creativity, the numbers highlighted why Arne Slot views him as central to his system.
Supporters expected a stylish attacking midfielder capable of threading passes through defences. Wirtz offered glimpses of that, but his true value lay in his relentless off-the-ball work.
According to data from FotMob, the 22-year-old covered 11 kilometres in just 82 minutes — running 60 metres more every 10 minutes than Dominik Szoboszlai, who completed 11.5km across the full 90.
Not only did Wirtz outdistance his teammates, but he also topped the charts for intensity. He averaged 2.8 sprints per 10 minutes, more than any other Liverpool player.
The effort underlined why Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes were willing to invest heavily in the German international: he is far more than a luxury creator.
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Florian Wirtz proves more than luxury attacker
Alexis Mac Allister, making his first start of the season, also impressed with strong running and duels, covering only 160 metres fewer than Wirtz per 10 minutes despite being withdrawn after 72 minutes.
The absence of Ryan Gravenberch in defensive midfield, however, left Liverpool’s trio stretched, particularly with the full-backs pushing forward.
That imbalance contributed to Bournemouth’s ability to break through centrally, as the Reds conceded two goals from fast breaks—matching their entire tally from last season.
Even so, Wirtz’s all-round contribution stood out. He created three chances, completed 77 percent of his passes (37/48), and sent 11 accurate balls into the final third.
He also delivered with defensive actions: two successful tackles, six recoveries, and a perfect long-ball record.
For Slot, the challenge will be managing Wirtz’s dual responsibilities. His pressing and recovery work are invaluable, but Liverpool must also ensure he retains the energy to influence the game in the final third — where his vision and composure can be decisive.
If this debut was any indication, Wirtz will be far more than the “luxury” many expected. His running, grit, and creativity suggest Liverpool’s record signing could quickly become the heartbeat of Slot’s midfield.
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