Florian Wirtz is living up to his hefty price tag - no-one is mocking the Liverpool star now.
That's the view of ex-Reds winger Jermaine Pennant, who believes the 22-year-old is currently one of the best playmakers in the Premier League.
Florian Wirtz celebrates after scoring against Wolves
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Wirtz has impressed in the last month following a slow start to his Liverpool careerCredit: Getty
Wirtz arrived at Anfield last summer from Bayer Leverkusen for a then-British record in a package deal worth £116.5million.
A slow start to life in Merseyside led to him dubbed as the 'worst signing in Premier League history'.
His struggles led to Wirtz's dad to issue a public defence of the 37-cap Germany international.
Even Germany's national team boss Julian Nagelsmann came out in defence of the attacking midfielder - insisting his blip in form will only be temporary.
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And just as predicted by Nagelsmann, Wirtz is now regularly showcasing his talent which saw him help end Leverkusen's 120-year wait for a first Bundesliga title.
His upturn in performances started on December 27, where he opened his account for Liverpool on his 23rd outing in their 2-1 win over Wolves.
He now boasts five goals in all competitions for the Merseyside outfit, with his latest strike coming during Wednesday night's 6-0 win against Qarabag in the Champions League.
Wirtz also has seven assists to his name, and has also developed a formidable partnership with striker Hugo Ekitike, with the duo combining for five goals this campaign.
That is the most by two players aged 23 and younger for Liverpool since Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard in the early 2000s.
As a result of Wirtz's dazzling displays of late, talkSPORT's Pennant believes the youngster is now amongst the best in his position in England.
Florian Wirtz looks dejected during Liverpool's defeat at Bournemouth
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Wirtz has had to deal with scrutiny from fans and pundits following his mega money move to LiverpoolCredit: Getty
Florian Wirtz scores against Qarabag
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But the German has responded with five goals in the last monthCredit: Getty
Speaking of the player on talkSPORT's Inside Liverpool YouTube show, he said: "We saw all the headlines and comments on Florian Wirtz.
"'No goals, 007, what a waste of money.'
"And I stood by him, I could see it on the pitch, it was just the team wasn't really in a great place at that time.
"They weren't finishing off the chances that he was creating.
"And now he's got used to the Premier League, it's money well spent in my eyes.
"He looks like he's one of the best in that role in the Premier League at the minute."
Wirtz has found the back of the net in three of his last six Premier League matches
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Wirtz has found the back of the net in three of his last six Premier League matches
The Athletic journalist James Pearce was then asked by co-host Sam Ellard as to whether he had faith that Wirtz would start to deliver on the pitch having shown glimpses of his ability.
To which he said: "Yeah, I think that is what always gave you belief, that you could see the talent.
"And I think just because of the size of the transfer fee, people just jumped on it so quickly.
"I always thought, 'Come on, take a step back, [he's a] 22-year-old lad, living outside of Germany for the first time, and joining a team that wasn't functioning properly.'
"That was where I had a lot of sympathy for him, and getting to grips with the difference in the intensity and physicality of the Premier League compared to the Bundesliga.
"But I think over a number of months now, there has been more and more signs of him getting up to speed.
Florian Wirtz scores against Burnley at Anfield
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Wirtz has scored in each of his last three Anfield outings across all competitionsCredit: AFP
"That understanding between him and Ekitike has grown.
"I think it's five goals and two assists now for Wirtz in his last nine games.
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"He's an absolute class act."
Wirtz will be looking to continue his fine form when Liverpool face Newcastle on Saturday night - live on talkSPORT, kick-off 8pm.