Liverpool broke their club transfer record to splash £116million on new attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen and former Red Joe Cole insists the German playmaker will prove his talent
Florian Wirtz of Liverpool looks on during the 2025 FA Community Shield
Pressure is on Florian Wirtz to deliver after his £116m transfer to Liverpool
(Image: Getty Images)
Joe Cole does not believe Florian Wirtz will struggle to settle in the Premier League as he reckons English football is played like it is on the continent these days.
The former Chelsea and Liverpool star is adamant the days of football on these shores being more physical for foreign players are long gone. Wirtz, 22, will make his Premier League debut on Friday night when the Reds host Bournemouth at Anfield with plenty of eyes on the £116m signing from Bayer Leverkusen.
Cole predicts the Liverpool new boy will flourish. He said: “I think the talk of physicality is just something that has been said, because we've always said that. When you actually step back and look at it, that's not a problem anymore. It used to be a problem.
“Even with Big Didier [Drogba] when he come over and he said the first tackle, someone's gone through him, back of his head and he's gone, ‘welcome to the Premier League’. That was then, that ain't now.
“It's easier, better for the recruitment, because you're more happy to spend the money on Wirtz, because you haven't got that anomaly. It won't be a physicality problem. The Premier League, it is quicker because the technique of passing is quicker. And the players’ quality is quicker, it's not because referees let things go.
“The crash into tackles and there's a demand to get the ball forward and there is a style of football, that's all gone now. Premier League is the best league in the world, we've got the best players playing the crispest, best quality football and we've had referees allow that to happen, it's made the spectacle.”
Florian Wirtz of Liverpool on the ball during the 2025 FA Community Shield
Wirtz has been backed to shine in the Premier League for the reigning champions
Cole thinks everyone will not only be dazzled by Wirtz’s skills on the ball and attacking threat but also his work when the Reds are not in possession. He added: “Everyone's going to be looking out for these goals and assists and where he affects the game in moments.
“But look at how he works off the ball. I think he was in the top few in Europe for turnovers. So when you couple that with his ability on the ball, you've got a hell of a player. And Liverpool are not stupid. They don't spend money unless they know. So, yeah, I'm excited about watching Wirtz.”
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