Iraola backs £116m Wirtz over critics, insisting numbers don't tell the full story

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has moved to silence critics of Florian Wirtz, insisting the £116 million signing from Bayer Leverkusen is performing better than his modest goal-contribution figures suggest.

Wirtz has started all four games under Iraola since the Spaniard took charge, but has managed only one assist — a return that has drawn scrutiny, particularly after a midweek Champions League outing against Atlético Madrid in which he covered more ground than any other player on the pitch.

“He played very well against Atletico Madrid,” said Iraola. “He helped us a lot, he was very good on the ball and overall I was very happy with his performance. He is a good player out of possession who helps us in our press.”

Iraola was keen to contextualise Wirtz’s numbers against those of rival No.10s, noting that his statistics are broadly in line with the creative midfielders deployed by Arsenal, Manchester City, and Fulham. “He runs the same as the 10 of Arsenal, the 10 of City, the 10 of Fulham,” the manager said.

The Liverpool boss also pointed to misfortune as a factor in the German’s underwhelming tallies, referencing a disallowed goal against Nottingham Forest and several near-assists that went unfinished by teammates. “I agree he has been unlucky,” Iraola said. “I remember the ‘goal’ he scored against Nottingham Forest — he could have had very good assists but we haven’t finished them.”

Iraola was unequivocal about his broader philosophy. “I am not too focused about numbers. Nowadays everything is about numbers, everyone tells players you have to assist, you have to score goals. For me, you have to help us play well. Someone will score the goals if we are doing well collectively.”

Wirtz arrived at Anfield this summer as one of the most expensive signings in the club’s history, joining a revamped attack that also includes summer additions Bradley Barcola and Victor Munoz, alongside the returning Alexander Isak and in-form Cody Gakpo.

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard added his voice in support of the 22-year-old after the Atlético display. “His service has been a lot better tonight, he’s been unlucky not to get an assist,” Gerrard said. “He deserves a break — he’s got a lot of stick, a lot of criticism, but I’ve been impressed with him tonight.”