Image Credits: Imago Images
Florian Wirtz has faced a challenging start to life at Liverpool since his club-record £116 million move from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer.
The German international arrived with sky-high expectations after a stellar Bundesliga campaign, yet has struggled to make an immediate impact in the Premier League, registering zero goals and zero assists in his first 11 league appearances.
High-profile pundits, including Gary Neville, Wayne Rooney, and even Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, have questioned his early performances.
Neville described Wirtz as looking “like a little boy” during Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, while Rooney suggested the playmaker “damages the balance” of Arne Slot’s side.
The scrutiny has been intense, particularly given the enormous transfer fee and the fact that Liverpool broke the British transfer record to secure his signature.
However, there are encouraging signs. Wirtz has performed considerably better in the Champions League, contributing two assists in four matches and creating numerous chances.
Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann has defended his compatriot, pointing out that Liverpool’s wider struggles and wasteful finishing have made adaptation more difficult.
And now German national team sporting director Rudi Voller has explained where Florian Wirtz is not being affected by the outside noise:
“It’s not unusual in England, where there are many experts who feel entitled to offer very direct criticism of players,” Völler said as quoted by Bullinews.
“But Florian doesn’t let it affect him – we’re seeing it here with the national team – because he knows that assists or goals aren’t the only proof of quality in football.”
Völler claims that the 22-year-old has already showcased his “running and technical abilities many times in the Premier League.”
“He will find his way at Liverpool. I have no doubt about that,” the 65-year-old said.
“Florian is a wonderful player, and people in England will soon see that too.”
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