Xabi Alonso has backed Florian Wirtz to be a success at Liverpool, underlining the role the German played in elevating him into a position to take the Real Madrid job.
Wirtz remains under the spotlight following his £116 million switch to Liverpool, with the German in and out of the team as Arne Slot seeks to manage his adjustment to the Premier League‘s intensity.
There have been a lot of eyes on the No. 7 and with his former manager in town, Alonso was asked if he thinks the 22-year-old will be a success at Anfield.
There was little hesitation in his assessment, with Alonso telling reporters: “For sure [he will be a success], I have no doubts.
“It is just a matter of time. It is a big change for him to come to Liverpool after so many years in Germany, he’s been there all his life.
“He needs to adapt but he is a really special player. He has the quality, personality and he’s competitive.
“It has happened with great players in the Premier League before (that they need time to adjust) and I have no doubts with Flo.
“He is so special and probably one of the reasons I’m here now (at Real Madrid), so I’m very grateful to Flo.
“Hopefully not tomorrow (Tuesday), but [I’ve no doubt] he will show his quality and class.”
Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso and Florian Wirtz at Leverkusen (Liam McBurney/PA)
Wirtz played 119 games for Alonso at Leverkusen, scoring 38 goals and setting up a further 43 in a side that won the title as the first team to complete an entire Bundesliga season without defeat.
He is not the first player nor the last that has needed an adjustment period after a move to England, and Slot insisted on Monday that he has brought “exactly what we expected.”
Slot calls for patience with Wirtz
“I’ve said this quite a lot, not being used as an excuse, but many times we have to play three games in seven days with only two days’ rest in between,” Slot started.
“Nine out of 10 people would agree the Premier League is a bit more intense (than the Bundesliga), especially in all the games, so if you look at that then he already played a lot.
“He has had his impact in a lot of games but has been unlucky with the end product either by himself or his teammates.
“For me, he exactly brought what we expected – a player who created a lot for the team.
“He will have his goals but I don’t think it comes as a surprise to anyone that if you’re 22 or 23 and come to a different league that you might need some time to adjust to that intensity.
“Ryan Gravenberch was sitting here before (at the press conference) and it took him a while to adjust to the intensity, maybe even longer than it is going to take Florian.”
Wirtz has started only two of Liverpool’s last six games in all competitions after a run of six from eight to start the campaign.