Should FPL Managers Replace Florian Wirtz Ahead of GW 5?

Florian Wirtz has come into the FPL spotlight this season, and the buzz is real, so many managers are questioning whether he’s worth holding or if it’s time to jump ship before Gameweek 5. As someone who’s watched him closely through the Bundesliga and now at Liverpool, I feel that Wirtz is both exciting and frustrating, especially considering his price and FPL potential. Let’s dive into the dilemma, using all my research from this season, and see if a replacement is the way to go.

Should FPL Managers Replace Florian Wirtz Ahead of GW 4?

Alright, let’s get interactive. Right now, Wirtz’s adaptation to the Premier League is definitely a talking point among FPL managers; the £8.4m price tag stings a bit when those attacking returns haven’t materialised in the opening gameweeks. Statistically, he hasn’t been poor; he ranks top among Liverpool midfielders for touches in the final third and chances created, sitting just behind Salah when it comes to the pace of minute-per-chance creation. His Bundesliga output last season was insane: 10 goals and 12 assists from fewer than 30 starts, and his key passes per minute were better than most current Liverpool options. He’s even taking some corners, increasing assist potential for aerial threats like Van Dijk and Ekitike.
Now, the fixtures are tasty, Liverpool get Burnley and Everton next, which on paper look perfect for attacking hauls. To track the Fixture difficulties of teams and players, you can use Sportsdunia's free fixture difficulty tool. But the physicality of the Premier League has thrown him off a bit; he’s been caught in possession and hasn’t quite gelled with the Liverpool attack just yet. Many managers drafted him for good reason, but after blanks in early weeks, the urge for an FPL replacement is real.

Three FPL Replacement Suggestions for Florian Wirtz

If you’re set on moving Wirtz out, here are three top FPL replacements I’d recommend for GW 5:

• Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool, £8.1m):
Szoboszlai is Liverpool’s engine for direct attacking play and often shoots from distance. He’s more Premier League ready and, if you want to keep Liverpool coverage, he offers explosive upside at a slightly cheaper price. Szoboszlai’s athletic presence and penchant for getting into scoring positions have already shown promise this season.
• Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth, £7.4m):
Semenyo has quietly impressed and is a quality differential for managers willing to punt outside the premium clubs. Playing for an attack-minded Bournemouth side, he’s virtually guaranteed chances every match. If you’re looking for a budget pick with a solid run of fixtures, Semenyo is my go-to FPL replacement right now.
• Cole Palmer (Chelsea, £7.8m):
Palmer is flying under the radar and has assumed central creativity duties for Chelsea. Great fixtures, high ownership among elite managers, and set-piece responsibilities make him one of the best midfielders to pick this season if you’re ready to drop Wirtz. He’s less risky, and you know points are coming, with his minutes secure under Maresca.

My Take—Hold or Sell?

Honestly, I get the temptation to act quickly when a premium midfield asset like Florian Wirtz blanks early. FPL managers hate missing out on early bandwagons! But, with the stats backing his creativity, a juicy fixture run incoming, and the fact that team chemistry takes time, I’d personally give Wirtz one more week before replacing him. If you’re impatient or want to punt, Szoboszlai, Semenyo, and Palmer all make excellent FPL replacements, whether you’re chasing upside or just need reliable points. To help understand how your team fares against other top managers, take a look at Sportsdunia's FPL Team Rater Tool.
As always, weigh your team's needs, risk appetite, and transfer plans. For now, my advice is: monitor Wirtz closely, and if he doesn’t deliver in GW4, don’t be afraid to cut your losses with one of these top FPL replacement picks.