Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz struggled after his £116m move but he has now silenced critics with five goals since the turn of the year
Amie Wilson and Bruna Reis
12:57, 06 Feb 2026Updated 13:19, 06 Feb 2026
Florian Wirtz celebrates after scoring for Liverpool against Newcastle United
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Florian Wirtz celebrates after scoring for Liverpool against Newcastle United(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Following a slow start at Liverpool, Florian Wirtz has begun to demonstrate why the club signed him in the summer – vindicating former Reds manager Jurgen Klopp for a second time.
Wirtz, who joined from Bayer Leverkusen in a £116 million deal, initially struggled, failing to score or provide an assist in his first 12 Premier League appearances. Klopp had predicted the intense scrutiny Wirtz would face if his early performances were subpar.
Speaking to Welt, the former Liverpool boss said: "There's no question about it, it's an insane sum, and one that a player at Liverpool is aware of if things don't go well for two or three games.
STUTTGART, GERMANY - APRIL 02: Juergen Klopp, Global Head of Soccer RB Leipzig, is seen prior to the DFB Cup Semi Final between VfB Stuttgart and RB Leipzig at Mercedes-Benz Arena on April 02, 2025 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
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Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp(Image: Alex Grimm, Getty Images)
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"We all agree that we're talking about a great player here. I know I once said that I'm out if we pay 100 million euros for a player. But the world is changing. That's just the way the market is.
"He's an outstanding player who can give any club something great. Whether he'll make the reigning English champions even better remains to be seen."
As Klopp had anticipated, Wirtz faced criticism early in the season. Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, commenting after the Reds' 1-0 Champions League loss to Galatasaray in September, even suggested that Wirtz should be dropped from the starting lineup.
However, Wirtz has begun to prove his doubters wrong, showcasing his skills and justifying Klopp's faith in him. This is not the first time Klopp's assessment of Wirtz has been proven correct, and it remains to be seen how the German midfielder will continue to contribute to Liverpool's success.
Jamie Carragher
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Jamie Carragher's suggestion looks foolish now(Image: Getty Images)
"There's a few problems there that he's [Arne Slot] got to fix – and it'll now be really interesting how he goes about it because he's spent a lot of money on certain players," he said.
"But right now, I don't think the balance of the team is right, and the obvious one that stands out is Florian Wirtz. He's just not at the races at all. He's a young lad stepping into a new league. He's got plenty of time to grow as a Liverpool player.
"But, right now, I think he needs to step back from the team, Liverpool return to their form of last season – and then progress from there, trying to build some confidence and defensive solidity because currently, it looks chaotic."
However, mere days after Carragher's remarks, Klopp expressed his faith in Wirtz's potential if given the chance to prove himself.
Florian Wirtz
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Florian Wirtz in action for Liverpool(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
"I don't have to worry about Florian Wirtz because his quality is so outstanding," he said.
"Of course, everything is fine, and everyone knows that. The discussion is certainly being blown out of proportion.
"Liverpool have just lost three matches on the trot – it's unusual for something like that to happen after such a long period. But it's also normal in life. That's why these things are discussed.
"I've been in the middle of such discussions long enough now, and I can tell you: nothing could interest people less than the public discussions that are taking place there. So it doesn't matter, and everything will be fine.
Florian Wirtz during Liverpool's win over Real Madrid in the Champions League
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Florian Wirtz during Liverpool's win over Real Madrid in the Champions League(Image: (Carl Recine/Getty Images))
"[Wirtz has] a stable environment at Liverpool, and the club is great in moments like these. If anyone's worried, you don't have to! You can stop."
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Recent events have once more vindicated Klopp's assertion about Wirtz, with the midfielder scoring five goals and providing two assists in nine appearances across all competitions since the beginning of the year.
This good form has led to a Premier League January Player of the Month award nomination.
Wirtz is in contention alongside Yasin Ayari, Patrick Dorgu, Enzo Fernandes, Junior Kroupi, Crysnciso Summerville, Igor Thiago and Harry Wilson.