Florian Wirtz played a pivotal role in Liverpool's victory against Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday, helping the team rebound from their first league defeat of the season against Manchester City. Despite his impressive performance, questions linger about his effectiveness within manager Andoni Iraola's tactical setup.

Wirtz, who joined Liverpool for a club record £116 million from Bayer Leverkusen in June 2025, has faced criticism for not consistently showcasing the form that justified his hefty price tag. Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard suggested that Wirtz might benefit from a temporary removal from the starting lineup to regain his confidence.

In the match against Brentford, Liverpool capitalized on a man advantage in the second half, scoring two goals and creating 21 attempts overall. Wirtz stood out, creating nine chances from open play—more than any player has achieved in a single Premier League game in the last six seasons. The last player to match this tally was Sadio Mane in January 2021.

Despite these statistics, some pundits question the balance of the team. Danny Murphy, a former Liverpool midfielder, noted that the midfield setup with Wirtz as a number 10 could make the team vulnerable. He stated, "They looked too easy to play against... the spaces are too big."

While Wirtz leads the league in chance creation this season, his performance metrics reveal he lost possession 19 times and only won one of nine duels. Murphy suggested a shift to a three-man midfield for better stability, emphasizing that defensive solidity is crucial for success against stronger opponents.

As Wirtz continues to adapt, the debate over his role and the overall team structure remains a pressing issue for Iraola.