Florian Wirtz might not have been Liverpool’s biggest signing of the summer, but the expectations on him were huge.
After a slow start to life at Anfield, the German has properly come into his own in recent weeks.
He has six goals and three assists in his last 11 outings, establishing himself as the fulcrum of Arne Slot’s attack.
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How many goal contributions will Florian Wirtz end 25/26 with? He’s predicting some ‘crazy’ numbers!
Florian Wirtz during Liverpool v Leeds United - Premier League
Credit: Liverpool FC/Getty Images
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It’s a credit to Wirtz, considering the noise around his performances in his first months at Liverpool. Noise amplified by one thing in particular, according to Robbie Fowler.
Robbie Fowler suggests Florian Wirtz fee needs to be forgotten
Fowler is no stranger to the responsibility that comes with putting on a Liverpool shirt.
It’s something every player has to deal with, but the former striker thinks it’s even more heavy on Wirtz because of the fee Liverpool paid for him. He also thinks it’s something the 22-year-old needs to put out of his mind.
He explains on The Smith Bros podcast: “This is where you need to think about what you are as a player, you know, and try and cast that aside.
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“I know people will mention it all the time, but ultimately it’s not down to the player, is it? The player’s not saying, ‘Well, I’m I’m going for 100/120 million.’ You know, the player’s probably not bothered about what he goes for.
Florian Wirtz for Liverpool vs Burnley
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“So, it’s it’s someone else putting that, you know, attitude or that thought process into the players because it will get brought up all the time, but in theory, it’s nothing to do with the players.”
It does feel like the expectations that were weighing heavily on his shoulders are no longer affecting the performances. Liverpool players love playing with Wirtz, because he makes the game easier for those around him.
The fee will always be attached to the signing, but as Fowler says, it should be left out of the Wirtz conversation.
Florian Wirtz is worth every penny Liverpool paid for him
In fairness, the pressure attached to the £116 million fee was only really an issue when Wirtz wasn’t performing.
Now, he has become Liverpool’s most important creator, and a real handful for any opposition.
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Florian Wirtz of Liverpool celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 2-0 during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
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We can stop bringing up the figure FSG had to pay, but not before saying it looks like being great value for money.
This is just the beginning for Wirtz at Liverpool. He could be performing at the top level for another ten years.
Cracking the £100 million mark is always going to attract scrutiny, but at the moment, Wirtz is more than justifying the decision.
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