Kenny Dalglish defends ‘very clever’ Liverpool star after recent criticism | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Creative Puzzle: Kenny Dalglish Backs Florian Wirtz to Shine

Liverpool’s push to retain their Premier League crown under Arne Slot has been one of the key storylines of the 2025 season. Yet much of the spotlight has shifted to Florian Wirtz, the £116 million summer signing from Bayer Leverkusen. After a blistering rise in the Bundesliga, Wirtz’s transition to Anfield has attracted scrutiny, but few voices carry as much weight as Kenny Dalglish when assessing a Liverpool player’s potential.

Dalglish Highlights Wirtz’s Vision and Talent

Speaking on The Overlap, Dalglish praised Wirtz’s football intelligence and unique technical gifts, but also urged patience as the 22-year-old adjusts to life in England.

“I think the wee fellow Wirtz is a very, very clever boy, right, football wise,” Dalglish explained. “He just needs to get on the same planes as the ones in front of him.”

Dalglish, a figure synonymous with Liverpool’s success both as player and manager, is convinced the German’s understanding with teammates will determine how soon he can become the team’s creative heartbeat.

“That wee fellow, he could open a can of soup,” Dalglish joked, suggesting that once the connection with players such as Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak clicks, Wirtz will unlock defences with ease.

Adapting to Premier League Intensity

Wirtz’s reputation as a two-time Bundesliga Player of the Year meant expectations were always going to be high. However, Dalglish reminded supporters that adjusting to the Premier League’s pace and physicality takes time, especially for a playmaker whose success depends on synchrony with those ahead of him.

The Scottish legend also issued a gentle warning about maintaining a balance between style and substance. He observed that Liverpool have played entertaining football so far under Slot but added that “the winning would have been more important than the entertaining”.

This perspective resonates after the Reds’ dip in form over the last two matches. Criticism has emerged from pundits, with Jamie Carragher suggesting Wirtz should be dropped from the starting XI, a view echoed by Wayne Rooney.

Building Chemistry Like Dalglish and Rush

Dalglish drew on his own playing career to illustrate the point that partnerships on the pitch rarely blossom overnight. Reflecting on his time with Ian Rush, he noted that such understanding is forged on the training ground before it truly thrives in competitive games.

This insight should reassure Liverpool supporters. The potential front line of Wirtz, Ekitike and Isak has all the hallmarks of a dynamic attacking unit, but Dalglish’s advice underlines that cohesion must be nurtured rather than expected instantly.

Patience Key for Liverpool’s Title Ambitions

Liverpool’s supporters have already seen glimpses of Wirtz’s vision and close control in his early outings at Anfield. While some may question his immediate impact, Dalglish’s measured assessment suggests the club’s investment will pay off as long as patience prevails.

With Arne Slot aiming to defend the title he claimed in his debut season, integrating Wirtz fully into the system could be decisive. Guided by the wisdom of legends like Dalglish, Wirtz has the tools to become the creative focal point for a side intent on remaining at the summit of English football.