Florian Wirtz has admitted that the intensity of the Premier League has taken him by surprise, highlighting the “big difference” compared to the Bundesliga.
The German hasn’t set the world alight since his mammoth £116 million move to Liverpool last summer, despite moments of brilliance.
The pace and power of English football has occasionally got the better of Wirtz, as he adjusts to life in a new league and country.
Speaking to former Liverpool winger Steve McManaman on TNT Sports, the 22-year-old was honest about adapting to the division.
“Everyone in the world knows that the Premier League is the most intense and physical league,” Wirtz said.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, February 14, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz during the FA Cup 4th Round match between Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“It was a bit more than I was thinking, but there are always difficult things on the pitch where you have to adapt.
“Maybe you also have a bit more responsibility for more people who are supporting you and wanting you to do well.
“When I was at Leverkusen, I could have more time on the ball and turn easier.
“Here you have to be so ready, with your first touch you have to be away already, because otherwise there are three people on you and smashing into you – that is also a big difference.”
How good has Florian Wirtz’s debut season at Liverpool been?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, January 31, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz (R) celebrates with team-mate Mohamed Salah after scoring the third goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Newcastle United FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Opinion will naturally be split about the success of Wirtz’s first season in a Liverpool shirt, with some expecting more from him.
He has been thrown into a struggling Reds team, though, so it would be unfair to judge him too much.
Granted, Wirtz hasn’t performed like a £116m footballer, but six goals and five assists is far from a bad return.
Against Galatasaray on Wednesday, he created eight chances, which was the most by a Liverpool player in a Champions League game since 2003/04, per Opta.
Wirtz is a special player, in terms of his ability and tactical intelligence, and he will excel far more when Liverpool are a more confident and balanced team.
Many big-money signings have taken time to adjust to the Premier League in the past, so an overreaction has to be avoided.
Wirtz could have done better, and improvements are required, but he has done enough to show that he will be a fantastic option as time passes.
Frankly, he is the least of Liverpool’s problems right now!