Florian Wirtz: Klopp’s ‘Once-in-a-Century’ Praise as Liverpool Star Awaits Germany’s New Coach

**Florian Wirtz could soon report to Jürgen Klopp again-this time as Germany’s new manager.** The 23-year-old midfielder, who joined Liverpool last summer for up to £116 million, now faces a fresh chance under the coach who once hailed him as a ‘once-in-a-century talent.’ Klopp’s return to the German national team, after Julian Nagelsmann’s dismissal following a World Cup Round of 32 exit to Paraguay, puts him in a position to directly influence Wirtz’s development.

Klopp’s departure from Liverpool in 2024 marked the end of an era, but his influence lingers. Wirtz, who scored just five Premier League goals and provided three assists in his first season, has yet to replicate his Bayer Leverkusen form. Klopp’s coaching philosophy-unlocking young talent-could be the key. ‘He’s a once-in-a-century talent,’ Klopp said in October 2025. ‘At some point, he’ll show that in every game again, as he did at Leverkusen.’

During Germany’s World Cup opener against Curaçao in June, Wirtz delivered a standout performance-four chances created, an assist for Felix Nmecha’s goal. Yet Klopp, then a pundit for MagentaTV, pushed for better teamwork. ‘He can’t keep dropping back and doing everything himself,’ he said. ‘We have to find situations where we use him in those positions.’ Wirtz’s tactical discipline impressed, but Klopp stressed collective responsibility.

Wirtz’s first season at Liverpool was uneven, with his first Premier League goal coming late in December. Now, with Klopp potentially at the helm, the question is whether the midfielder can regain his rhythm. Liverpool’s Andoni Iraola has managed his development, but Klopp’s system-built on attacking fluidity-might finally unlock Wirtz’s potential.

Klopp’s appointment as Germany’s manager isn’t confirmed, but his World Cup punditry and past praise for Wirtz signal intent. If he takes the job, the midfielder could shift from Liverpool’s rotational depth to a central role in Germany’s rebuild. For now, Wirtz’s future hinges on whether Klopp’s vision aligns with his own.