Why Florian Wirtz's stats vs Monaco show Andoni Iraola may have finally unlocked Liverpool star
Florian Wirtz impressed for Liverpool despite their 3-2 defeat to Monaco in their penultimate pre-season friendly on Sunday.
The French side came from behind at Anfield, with Aleksandr Golivin, Mika Biereth and Paris Brunner scoring after Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz had put the Reds 2-0 up.
Transforming the German is one of Andoni Iraola's chief tasks this season, after he seriously struggled to adapt following his move from Bayer Leverkusen.
Wirtz scored seven goals and provided eight assists across all competitions, but did not score his first Premier League goal until the end of December.
Having signed in a deal worth around £116million, the 23-year-old came with incredibly high expectations and suffered to live up to them.
This season will offer a chance to prove that price tag was worth it after all, with Iraola looking to guide Liverpool back into contention.
Florian Wirtz impresses in stats vs Monaco
Pre-season has been good to Wirtz so far, following a World Cup campaign in which he performed despite Germany's failure.
The midfielder bagged three assists and was arguably their best player throughout, trying all he could before they were dumped out at the round of 32 stage by Paraguay.
And the German has arrived at pre-season with a fire in his belly, scoring against both Leeds United and now Monaco, too.
Although Wirtz's goal was scrappy - bundled in from a yard out after bouncing off the defender - his performance was anything but.
The 23-year-old took four shots on the day, created a chance and won a free-kick.
And defensively, he put work in. Wirtz made two tackle, five recoveries and won three duels.
What Wirtz said about Andoni Iraola
Iraola is facing a huge test of his credentials by taking the Liverpool job and replacing Arne Slot, who despite last season's failures, won the Premier League.
The Spaniard's time at Bournemouth was hugely impressive, but the expectations are in no way comparable.
There is no doubt over one thing, however, and that is Iraola's ability to guide young talent. Several young stars have emerged and grown under his watch.
Wirtz will hope to be the next of them. "The last three years he did at Bournemouth, you could see what he can do with the team," he said after the game.
"Of course we are looking forward to working with him. The first couple of weeks, I can just say that I'm enjoying it. It’s only been two weeks I’m in training but I’m enjoying and I like the idea of football he has."