Rising Stars and Tactical Shifts: What Defines the 2025/26 Season
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Rising Stars and Tactical Shifts: What Defines the 2025/26 Football Season

Peter Green - July 1, 2025

The football season of 2025/26 is going to be one of the most thrilling in recent history. The fans all around Europe are eagerly anticipating seeing young talent being given bigger responsibilities, record signings adjusting to novel challenges, and clubs playing unconventional tactics. This season, attention is on imaginative midfielders, clinical strikers, and teenagers already being burdened by historic sides. In the background, new technology and fresh rivalries hold out for an extra dose of drama.

Here in this article, we examine three stars who might define the season, along with the tactical trends and pivotal fixtures each football supporter needs to watch.

Emerging Midfield Maestro: Florian Wirtz’s Premier League Breakthrough

Florian Wirtz signed for Liverpool prior to the 2025/26 campaign, and the hype is massive. Liverpool acquired him from Bayer Leverkusen back in June 2025 on a six-year deal worth approximately £100 million plus performance-related bonuses.

This signing is a club record for both sides. Wirtz established himself at Leverkusen as one of Europe’s most gifted young playmakers. His signing is part of Liverpool’s policy of spending on imaginative young midfielders who have the ability to set the pace and unlock stubborn defences.

At Liverpool, Wirtz is likely to add vision and creativity. He is skilled at identifying space and linking with forwards such as Mohamed Salah. His skill for switching play and opening up defensive lines will be crucial. Fantasy football pundits already consider him to be a high receiver for the coming season.

Liverpool comes into the season as defending Premier League champions. Alongside Wirtz, they also signed leftback Milos Kerkez to boost their defence. If Wirtz settles quickly, Liverpool’s midfield could become one of the strongest in Europe.

A wider trend is noted: big clubs now move early for midfielders who fit high-press systems and fast transitions. Wirtz could inspire similar signings at other clubs if he succeeds in England.

Rising GoalScorer: Serhou Guirassy Lights Up Dortmund

Serhou Guirassy arrived at Borussia Dortmund in July 2024 and broke into the scene. By February 2025, he had scored ten goals in the Champions League, and his numbers aligned with those of Dortmund legends such as Lewandowski. In a Bundesliga fixture, he netted four goals—few have done this since Aubameyang’s days.

One of Guirassy’s greatest moments was during the Champions League quarterfinal. He had a hat-trick against Barcelona, making him the first African player to achieve this feat. Overall, he finished the tournament with 14 goals and 4 assists, leading Dortmund’s attack and demonstrating that he can perform on the biggest stage.

With an eye on the 2025/26 season, Dortmund is going to heavily depend on Guirassy’s goals. He is valuable in both league games and Champions League nights due to his consistency and composure under pressure. Some clubs might be interested in signing him, but Dortmund wants to build around him. He makes them a threat in every competition.

Bright Young Talent: Lamine Yamal’s Next Chapter

At just 17 years old, Lamine Yamal is already central to Barcelona’s plans. In 2025, he signed a new contract until 2031 worth about $45 million per year. Last season, he broke Messi’s record for most successful dribbles and became the youngest scorer in El Clásico.

He also scored the opening goal in the Champions League semifinal first leg against Inter Milan. Pundits now see him as a future Ballon d’Or candidate.

During the 2025/26 season, Yamal will have an even greater role. His pace and imagination will stretch defenders and open up space for others. Week in week out, his games are sure to make headlines all over the world.

Tactical Shift: Forwards in Focus in Fantasy and Strategy

There is also a change in tactics during the new season. More teams deploy three forwards in order to boost attacking prowess. According to Fantasy Premier League specialists, six out of the eleven highest scorers of 2024/25 were forwards. Clusters prefer energetic strikers capable of pressing and scoring. This tactic is also favored by FPL managers, so forwards become more appealing. As real-world tactics change with teams, fans also observe the same trends in fantasy football.

Key Fixtures and New Technology

The Premier League season begins on September 3, 2025, with 33 weekends and additional mid-week matches. Sunderland, Leeds, and Burnley are promoted, and the return of the Tyne-Wear derby injects excitement.

There is also the introduction of semi-automatic offside technology. The objective is quicker and more equitable decisions.

Big games such as Liverpool v Man City in November will determine the title. Such games will be placed under scrutiny as they try Liverpool’s new midfield, Guirassy’s goal-scoring form, and Yamal’s creativity.

Conclusion: A Season of Youth, Goals, and Change

The 2025/26 season is all about new energy and innovative ideas. Florian Wirtz signs for Liverpool as an inspirational force. Serhou Guirassy’s goals lead Dortmund to dream of silverware. Lamine Yamal demonstrates that Barcelona’s future is in good hands. Clubs adopt attacking football, and new technology guarantees fewer controversies.

With so many narratives, followers can look forward to drama, action, and unforgettable moments each week.

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