Florian Wirtz ended his five-year spell at Bayer Leverkusen to join Liverpool in June for a huge fee – the amount of which isn’t fully agreed on between the English and German media.
The attacking midfielder scored 13 goals and contributed 16 assists from 45 matches for the Bundesliga club last season. This led to interest from Bayern Munich, but Liverpool secured the mega-signing.
Wirtz hasn’t managed to showcase his Bayer Leverkusen form at Liverpool so far. He’s yet to score for the Reds and contributed three assists from 16 matches.
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville was critical of the 22-year-old at the weekend. He said the Germany international should be able to deliver quickly considering the money Liverpool invested.
Tuesday’s edition of Bild relays Neville’s comments and shares their point of view on Wirtz’s difficult start to his Liverpool career.
Journalist Marcel Reif has been analysing the former Bayer Leverkusen star’s situation. He suggests the player may leave the Premier League winners if he’s unable to showcase his qualities at Anfield.
“The expectations from the outside are so high because everyone says: ‘Look, there’s the wonder-kid for €125m. Come on, kid, show us what you’ve got’,” he said.
“Currently, he’s obviously one of the main figures in what Liverpool are delivering, or rather, not delivering. The moment may come when he says: ‘I don’t think this is the kind of football I envision’.”
Last weekend, Wirtz’s father, Hans, who is also his agent, confirmed Arne Slot played a big role in his arrival at Liverpool. The German attacker would hopeful to turn things around under the Dutchman’s orders.
It’s still only early November, and Wirtz has a long time to show he’s a real star at Liverpool.
