Wirtz’s Form Under the Microscope
Florian Wirtz, who joined Liverpool in the summer of 2025 from Bayer Leverkusen, has been a subject of discussion regarding his early season form. While some reports indicate he has been in good form this season, others suggest he has struggled to meet the high expectations following his transfer [1]. Pundits have questioned his overall impact, despite some positive underlying statistics. For instance, in a recent match against Bournemouth, Wirtz lost possession 15 times before being substituted in the 71st minute, according to [2]. However, Liverpool did secure a 1-0 victory in that game, marking their third consecutive clean sheet in the Premier League, a defensive solidity not seen since the 2024/25 season [3]. The LFC Poets podcast also discussed Wirtz’s performance, alongside mentions of Alisson Becker and Alexis Mac Allister [4].
Koumas and Isak Shine Amidst Squad Discussions
While Wirtz’s performances are being dissected, young forward Lewis Koumas has emerged as a bright spot for Liverpool. After loan spells, Koumas has returned to the club with renewed confidence and has impressed new manager Andoni Iraola with his energy and intelligence during pre-season and the start of the new campaign [5]. His strong performances have earned him a place in Liverpool’s plans, leading to both Premier League and Champions League debuts. Koumas is also anticipated to play a significant role for Wales in upcoming Nations League fixtures. Meanwhile, Alexander Isak continues his prolific run, having scored four goals in his last four league appearances [2]. Isak is expected to be available for Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures [6]. The team’s opening game of the season saw them draw 2-2 against Newcastle [2].
Mbappé’s Near Miss and Defensive Strength
In a look back at past transfer dealings, Kylian Mbappé has revealed just how close he came to joining Liverpool in 2016. The club made significant efforts to sign the player, including arranging a private jet trip, with Mbappé’s mother reportedly strongly advocating for the move [7]. Ultimately, Mbappé chose to remain in France and joined Paris Saint-Germain. This revelation highlights Liverpool’s long-standing ambition in the transfer market. On the current squad front, Liverpool’s recent defensive performances have been noteworthy. Their 1-0 win against Bournemouth was their third consecutive clean sheet in the Premier League, a feat not achieved since the 2024/25 season [3]. This defensive solidity will be crucial as they navigate a challenging season.
What it means
Liverpool currently sits in 6th position in the Premier League table, having accumulated 9 points from 5 games. Their record of 2 wins, 3 draws, and 0 losses, with 7 goals scored and 4 conceded, indicates a solid but not dominant start to the season. The team’s recent form shows a mix of results, including a 1-0 away win against AFC Bournemouth and a 0-0 home draw against Fulham FC in the Premier League, alongside a 2-1 home victory against Club Atlético de Madrid in the Champions League. This form suggests a resilient side capable of grinding out results, particularly with their improved defensive record. The next fixture will be a crucial test of their consistency and ability to convert draws into wins, as they aim to climb higher in the league standings.
Sources
- BBC Sport: Liverpool FC bbc.co.uk ↩
- The Guardian: Florian Wirtz does not look like a £116m player but it is early to write him off theguardian.com ↩
- BBC Sport: Liverpool FC bbc.co.uk ↩
- BBC Sport: Liverpool FC bbc.co.uk ↩
- BBC Sport: Contagious, confident - the rise of Lewis Koumas bbc.co.uk ↩
- BBC Sport: Liverpool FC bbc.co.uk ↩
- BBC Sport: I was close to joining Liverpool in 2016 - Mbappe bbc.co.uk ↩
