Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has reportedly made a major statement about Andoni Iraola’s team selection, insisting that one particular player could be the difference between Liverpool enjoying a successful season and falling short of their ambitions.
The player at the centre of the discussion is Florian Wirtz.
The German international has already demonstrated that he possesses the creativity, intelligence and technical ability to change matches. However, Liverpool supporters want to see him become a consistent presence in the starting eleven rather than someone whose involvement is regularly questioned.
Following Liverpool’s impressive 3–1 victory over Crystal Palace, the conversation surrounding Wirtz has become even louder.
And the argument is straightforward: if Liverpool want to compete for the biggest prizes, they need their most creative players on the pitch.
WIRTZ SHOWS WHY HE IS SO IMPORTANT
Liverpool desperately needed a response after suffering consecutive defeats against Arsenal and Fenerbahçe.
Travelling to Selhurst Park was never going to be straightforward, particularly against a Crystal Palace side capable of causing problems with its attacking movement.
However, Liverpool eventually took control.
Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring in the 40th minute, heading home Dominik Szoboszlai’s free-kick to give the visitors a deserved advantage.
The second goal arrived nine minutes after the restart.
Bradley Barcola accelerated down the right flank before delivering an excellent ball into the penalty area. Wirtz was perfectly positioned to finish with a composed first-time effort.
It was exactly the kind of contribution Liverpool need from their attacking midfielder.
He did not simply wait for opportunities to arrive. He found space, made intelligent movements and gave his teammates another passing option whenever Liverpool moved forward.
Wirtz later contributed to the attacking move that produced Alexander Isak’s 89th-minute goal.
Eddie Nketiah converted a late penalty for Palace, but Liverpool secured an important 3–1 victory.
WHY GERRARD WOULD WANT WIRTZ IN EVERY STARTING XI
The biggest problem Liverpool can face against organised opponents is a lack of creativity in the final third.
Teams increasingly defend with compact defensive structures, making it difficult for attackers to find space.
That is where Wirtz becomes particularly valuable.
His ability to receive the ball between the opposition’s midfield and defence gives Liverpool an attacking dimension that is difficult to replace.
He can create chances with short combinations, deliver dangerous passes, carry possession into the penalty area and arrive in scoring positions himself.
More importantly, he can connect the midfield with the forwards.
Players such as Alexander Isak and Bradley Barcola benefit from having someone capable of recognising their movements and delivering the ball at the right moment.
Without that connection, Liverpool risk becoming predictable.
IRAOLA MUST BUILD HIS ATTACK AROUND HIS BEST CREATIVE PLAYERS
Andoni Iraola has inherited a squad with considerable attacking quality, but having talented players is not enough.
The manager must find the right combinations and give his most influential players consistent opportunities to develop an understanding.
Wirtz needs regular minutes to establish those connections.
His relationship with Isak could become particularly important. The Swedish striker needs service in dangerous areas, while Wirtz has the vision to identify opportunities that other players might miss.
Barcola also offers a different attacking threat through his pace and ability to beat defenders.
Together, those players could give Liverpool an extremely dangerous forward line.
The challenge for Iraola is ensuring that they are used in a system that maximises their individual strengths.
LIVERPOOL’S 3–1 WIN COULD BE A TURNING POINT
The victory against Crystal Palace was important for several reasons.
Liverpool had lost two consecutive matches and needed to restore confidence before the international break.
Mac Allister delivered the opening goal, Wirtz doubled the advantage, and Isak finished a late counterattack to put the result beyond doubt.
Alisson Becker also produced several important saves to protect Liverpool’s lead.
The result moved Liverpool into fourth place with 18 points from 10 Premier League matches.
That gives Iraola something positive to build on, although the competition remains intense and there is plenty of work ahead.
Liverpool cannot afford to become complacent.
If they want to finish above fifth place and secure Champions League football, consistency will be essential.
THE BIG DECISION FACING ANDONI IRAOLA
Liverpool supporters have seen enough glimpses of Wirtz’s quality to understand what he can bring to the team.
But the next step is turning those moments into regular performances.
Iraola must decide how best to build his attacking system around the German international while maintaining the balance required to compete against stronger opponents.
There will inevitably be matches when rotation becomes necessary, but Wirtz should remain one of the first names considered when Liverpool select their strongest available team.
The season is still developing, and Liverpool have plenty of opportunities to improve.