When Florian Wirtz made the high-profile move from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool for a club-record £116 million ($154m) in the summer of 2025, expectations were sky-high. The young German talent had made a significant impact in the Bundesliga under Xabi Alonso, helping Leverkusen secure an unbeaten league-winning season. Many expected Wirtz to seamlessly transition to the Premier League and immediately dominate in one of the world’s most competitive football leagues.
However, Wirtz’s start to life at Anfield has not gone as planned. The 22-year-old midfielder, once regarded as one of Europe’s brightest prospects, has struggled to command games in the same way he did in Germany. His performances have been somewhat underwhelming, and he has found himself dropped to the bench for Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea just before the international break.
Despite these struggles, both Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann and former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp have come to Wirtz’s defense, urging patience and highlighting his potential to return to top form. Their backing underscores the faith that some of football’s brightest minds still have in the young midfielder.
Nagelsmann’s Confidence in Wirtz
Julian Nagelsmann, who has been the manager of the Germany national team since 2024, has frequently defended Wirtz, pointing to his consistent quality on the pitch despite not always finding the back of the net.
Nagelsmann spoke to Sport 1 about Wirtz’s slow start, explaining that the player’s overall contribution should not be judged solely on goals or assists. He emphasized that Wirtz’s creative ability remains one of the best in the Premier League. “Even though he hasn’t scored any goals, he is still the player who creates the most chances in the Premier League,” Nagelsmann said.
This statistic, which has largely gone unnoticed amid the focus on Liverpool’s inconsistent start to the season, highlights Wirtz’s continued ability to generate opportunities for his teammates. Nagelsmann was clear that it is not Wirtz’s fault if his teammates fail to convert those chances into goals. “It’s not his fault if his team-mates don’t convert them,” he added, noting that the statistics don’t always tell the full story of a player’s contribution.
Nagelsmann also acknowledged the difficulty of adjusting to the Premier League, noting that Wirtz needs time to adapt to a new style of play. “Wirtz needs to get used to the league,” he said. “I saw him playing with total freedom [at Leverkusen]. He knows what he’s capable of and how things work.” The German manager was quick to remind everyone that even the best players need time to acclimatize to new environments, particularly in one of the toughest leagues in the world.
“Wirtz hasn’t always had it easy – he’ll have to work hard now too,” Nagelsmann concluded, calling for patience as the young midfielder continues his development.
Klopp’s Faith in Wirtz
Despite having left Liverpool in 2024, Jürgen Klopp continues to be one of the most influential figures in the club’s modern history, and his opinion still carries weight among the Anfield faithful. Klopp has been another staunch defender of Wirtz, particularly in light of the scrutiny the midfielder has faced due to Liverpool’s recent poor form.
Ahead of Liverpool’s crucial match against Manchester United in the Premier League, Klopp addressed the growing criticism surrounding Wirtz. Speaking to n-tv, Klopp attributed much of the increased pressure on the young midfielder to the team’s collective struggles, noting that the club’s three consecutive defeats to Crystal Palace, Chelsea, and Galatasaray have overshadowed individual performances.
“His quality is so outstanding, the discussions are a bit exaggerated,” Klopp said, referring to the attention that Wirtz’s form has garnered. “Liverpool just lost three games in a row, which is unusual. But that’s also normal in life, and that’s why such things are discussed there.”
Klopp was adamant that Wirtz’s struggles are not a reflection of his ability but a result of circumstances. “Wirtz is a once-in-a-century talent, and at some point, he’ll show that in every game again – just as he did at Leverkusen.” Klopp believes that once the team as a whole finds its rhythm again, Wirtz will be able to showcase the same level of performance that made him one of Europe’s most coveted young talents.
Wirtz’s Journey So Far at Liverpool
Since his arrival at Liverpool, Wirtz has struggled to replicate the form that made him a star at Leverkusen. Under Xabi Alonso, Wirtz flourished as part of a dynamic attacking midfield trio, playing with flair and creativity. At Liverpool, however, he has found himself adapting to a different style of play, under new manager Arne Slot, and in a league that demands a higher level of intensity and consistency.
Wirtz has had flashes of brilliance, but there have been fewer standout moments compared to his time in Germany. His transition from Bundesliga champions to a top-flight Premier League team has been a difficult one, with the pressure of a hefty price tag weighing heavily on his shoulders.
In terms of statistics, Wirtz has yet to score a goal for Liverpool, though he has registered a handful of assists. While this is by no means a poor return, it is far from the type of impact many expected when he was brought in for a club-record fee. The midfielder’s creativity, however, has been evident; he continues to generate chances for his teammates, which suggests that once the team gels, his assists could start translating into goals.
Looking Ahead: A Crucial Period for Wirtz
The upcoming match against Manchester United will be a significant opportunity for Wirtz to prove that he can thrive in the Premier League and fulfill the expectations surrounding his £116 million transfer. Liverpool’s recent form has been disappointing, and a strong performance from Wirtz could go a long way in silencing critics who are questioning his ability to handle the pressures of England’s top flight.
With both Nagelsmann and Klopp backing him, Wirtz will have the confidence of his national team manager and former club boss. The road to consistency may take time, but the belief in his ability remains steadfast. If he can adjust his game and find his rhythm in Liverpool’s setup, there is little doubt that Wirtz can still live up to the immense potential that earned him his high-profile move.
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