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I’ve been watching the trajectory of German players in the Premier League. Kai Havertz broke through at Chelsea in 2020 before rebounding with strong spells at Arsenal. His journey marked a meaningful German imprint in England. Now Florian Wirtz arrives at Liverpool with big expectations. Can he hold up as the second major success story from Germany in the EPL?
⚽ Havertz’s Path as Benchmark
- Chelsea arrival (2020): Havertz landed in London valued but untested in English football.
- Mixed early years: Struggled with consistency, adapting pace and physicality.
- Arsenal revival (2023–25): Scored decisive goals, settled into the side, and delivered regularly
He’s our closest comparable to Wirtz—a German star with top potential in the Premier League.
Florian Wirtz’s football profile
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Florian Richard Wirtz |
| Date of Birth | May 3, 2003 |
| Age | 22 (as of August 2025) |
| Birthplace | Pulheim, Germany |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.76 m) |
| Position | Attacking Midfielder / Winger |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Current Club | Liverpool FC |
| Previous Club | Bayer Leverkusen |
| Transfer Fee to Liverpool | £100 million + £16 million add-ons (approx. $156 million total) |
| National Team | Germany |
| Senior International Debut | 2021 vs. Liechtenstein |
| Bundesliga Stats (2024–25) | 10 goals, 12 assists in 31 appearances |
| Champions League 2024–25 | 5 goals in 5 matches (group stage) |
| Strengths | Vision, close control, dribbling, creativity, passing |
| Notable Awards | Bundesliga Player of the Season (2023–24) |
| Style of Play | High-tempo playmaker, often plays between lines; excels at quick combinations |
| Injury History | Recovered fully from ACL injury suffered in 2022 |
Wirtz’s Credentials before Liverpool
- Outstanding Bundesliga leadership: In 2023–24, Wirtz recorded 18 goals and 20 assists across 49 appearances, earning Bundesliga Player of the Season
- Champions League debut brilliance: In his first match, he scored twice within five minutes. He followed with further standout performances, ending five goals in five matches—a record for a German in Europe’s top competition
- Consistent 2024–25 output: Added ten goals and twelve assists in 31 Bundesliga matches—better rate than anyone at Liverpool apart from Mo Salah
Why Liverpool Believe in Him
- Club-record signing: Liverpool spent ~£100 million plus up to £16 million add-ons—this made him their most expensive transfer ever and a Premier League record for a German player
- Arne Slot’s vision: Wirtz’s father confirmed Slot personally convinced them through detailed tactical plans and development opportunities, outweighing Bayern Munich’s prestige
- Fit with existing midfield: Stan Collymore believes Wirtz will likely occupy the classic ‘number ten’ role—offering creative freedom to play behind Salah and adjust Liverpool’s midfield shape dynamically
Can He Really Be “Second?”
Success in the Premier League demands more than talent. Let’s look at the wider picture:
✅ What’s in his favour:
- Elite creativity & vision: Has comfortably driven attacking metrics in Bundesliga and Europe.
- Teammate synergy: Fits into a fast-paced Liverpool setup already winning titles.
- Mental resilience: Returned from a serious ACL injury and regained top form.
⚠️ Potential headwinds:
- Adjustment to English game pace & physicality: As Havertz showed, it takes time to adapt, and not every talent thrives immediately.
- Elevated expectations: Price tag brings pressure; fans and managers expect instant impact.
- Role clarity: Exactly whether he lands centrally or wide may influence early productivity and confidence.
Looking Ahead: Metrics & Milestones
| Metric | Goal for Success at Liverpool |
| Goals + Assists per Season | 15–20 combined in first year to match Bundesliga output |
| Starting XI Appearances | Regular starter in most league games |
| Champions League impact | Match-winning contributions in European competition |
| Adaptation Timeline | Starter by Christmas, full integration by season’s second half |
Beyond Football: Cultural & Emotional Influence
Wirtz is different from Havertz in personality. Raised in a large family in Pulheim, Germany, he brings humility, resilience, and German-trained football intelligence. Analysts and former players describe him as someone for whom “you simply cannot defend.” That mindset could anchor him as not just a talented player, but a cultural bridge for German football in England
Conclusion: Is Wirtz Up to It?
I believe there’s strong reason to think Florian Wirtz can be the second successful German in the EPL. His statistics, style, and mental approach line up well. But a successful Premier League career still requires adaptation, patience, and tactical marriages. It won’t be instantaneous, but if he matches his Bundesliga consistency, he’ll leave a mark and show that German midfield intelligence translates in England.
He’s not stepping into empty ground—Havertz paved the way. The bigger task is building a legacy, and early signs suggest he has the tools to do just that. It feels like an unfolding story worth watching closely.