Total Soccer Show: USMNT, Champions League, EPL, and more ... Most deserving Ballon d’Or winners, explaining Wirtz’s struggles, stars who never shined, and more | Listener Questions
Nov 8, 2025
Get ready for a deep dive into soccer debates! The hosts discuss the most deserving Ballon d'Or winners throughout history, including legends like Zidane and Messi. They analyze Florian Wirtz's struggles at Liverpool, examining factors like tactical fit and pressure. There's also an exploration of big international stars who never dazzled on the tournament stage, touching on names like Gerrard and Raul. Plus, the conversation heats up over whether the USL could pose a real threat to MLS. Tune in for insights and laughs!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Why Wirtz Hasn't Sparked At Liverpool
- Florian Wirtz's Liverpool dip reflects role change, league step-up, and age.
- He attempts fewer passes, dribbles, and shots because Liverpool don't lean on him the way Leverkusen did.
Wirtz's Output Has Been Understated
- Per-minute Wirtz still ranks highly for chances created despite raw aggregates falling.
- Bad luck and teammates missing chances have masked several strong Wirtz contributions.
Wirtz Lost Comfort Moving Clubs
- Taylor notes Wirtz moved from Cologne to Leverkusen as a teen and spent five formative years there.
- That comfort, routine, and seniority made his step to Liverpool more disruptive than purely tactical factors.