The short answer
Dominik Szoboszlai (£7.0m) narrowly beats Florian Wirtz (£7.5m) for value, but Wirtz has the more attacking open-play role.
That is also the direction of today's official FPL expert discussion: one expert leans Szoboszlai because he is £0.5m cheaper, owns free-kicks and corners, and can collect more defensive contributions from a slightly deeper role.
| Factor | Wirtz | Szoboszlai |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £7.5m | £7.0m |
| Main role | No.10 / almost second striker | Deeper attacking midfielder |
| Open-play goal threat | Higher | Good |
| Corners | Lower share | Strong share |
| Direct free-kicks | Less secure | Nominated taker |
| DefCon potential | Lower | Better |
| Saving | — | £0.5m |
Why Wirtz can outscore him
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has talked up Wirtz in a No.10 role that can look almost like a second striker.
That is exactly what FPL managers want from a midfielder:
- More penalty-box touches
- More shots
- More final passes
- Five points per goal
- Clean-sheet point retained as a midfielder
If you believe open-play involvement will dominate Liverpool's scoring, Wirtz is the higher-ceiling choice.
Read the existing Florian Wirtz FPL guide.
Why Szoboszlai can be better value
Szoboszlai has three advantages.
1. £0.5m cheaper
Half a million can upgrade a £4.0m defender, goalkeeper or bench slot.
2. Set pieces
Official FPL's expert panel says Szoboszlai is the nominated free-kick and corner taker.
That gives him repeatable chances to assist without needing Liverpool's open-play shape to flow through him.
3. Defensive contributions
His slightly deeper role creates more opportunities for defensive actions.
Those points can provide a useful floor in matches where he does not score or assist.
Does Gakpo complicate the decision?
Yes.
Cody Gakpo at £7.0m is another Liverpool midfield route and scored in the final friendly against Como.
That means the real decision may be:
Wirtz ceiling vs Szoboszlai all-round value vs Gakpo direct goal threat.
Read the Cody Gakpo FPL guide.
Which one fits your squad?
| Need | Best fit |
|---|---|
| Maximum open-play upside | Wirtz |
| Save £0.5m | Szoboszlai |
| Set pieces | Szoboszlai |
| DefCon floor | Szoboszlai |
| Closest role to striker | Wirtz |
| Direct left-sided goal threat | Gakpo |
Use OneFPL Player Lab and Fixtures before deciding whether Liverpool deserve one or two attacking slots.
OneFPL verdict
Szoboszlai is our value pick; Wirtz is our upside pick.
In a squad where £0.5m makes a meaningful upgrade elsewhere, choose Szoboszlai. If the money is spare and you want the Liverpool midfielder playing closest to goal, choose Wirtz.
FAQ
Who is cheaper, Wirtz or Szoboszlai?
Szoboszlai is £7.0m, which is £0.5m cheaper than Wirtz at £7.5m.
Who takes Liverpool corners and free-kicks?
Official FPL's expert panel identifies Szoboszlai as the nominated free-kick and corner taker.
Who plays further forward?
Wirtz has been discussed as a No.10 who can play almost as a second striker.
Sources
OneFPL analysis. OneFPL is an independent Fantasy Premier League companion and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Premier League or Fantasy Premier League.
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