Florian Wirtz reacts to crticism over Liverpool performances | OneFootball

Early Adjustment Period for Wirtz

When Florian Wirtz made his £116 million move from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool last summer, expectations were immense. Touted as one of Europe’s brightest creative midfielders, the German international arrived at Anfield to spearhead a new attacking era under Arne Slot. Sporting director Richard Hughes played a crucial role in securing the 22-year-old on a lucrative five-year deal, beating off competition from Real Madrid and Manchester City.

However, nearly three months into the Premier League campaign, Wirtz has yet to make the impact many anticipated. Eleven league appearances have yielded no goals or assists, prompting scrutiny from fans and pundits alike. Slot has rotated Wirtz across various positions — from central midfield to wide roles — and even left him out of the starting XI on occasion as he searches for the right balance.

Photo IMAGO

Handling the Spotlight and Criticism

It is rare for a new arrival of Wirtz’s calibre to adapt seamlessly to English football. The tempo, physicality and tactical discipline of the Premier League often take time to master. Yet, the criticism has been swift and at times harsh. Former professionals such as Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville have openly questioned the midfielder’s performances, suggesting Liverpool’s record signing has struggled to justify his price tag.

Despite the scrutiny, reports from Germany indicate Wirtz is maintaining his composure. According to BILD, the player remains unfazed by the noise surrounding him. “He’s not particularly bothered by these comments,” the report noted, adding that much of the criticism originates from ex-Manchester United players. Those close to Wirtz suggest he remains fully committed to adapting to Slot’s philosophy and earning the trust of Liverpool supporters.

Encouragement from Within Camp Germany

On the international stage, Wirtz continues to find backing from national team manager Julian Nagelsmann, who publicly defended his midfielder this week. Nagelsmann shifted the focus towards Liverpool’s misfiring frontline, insisting Wirtz has created enough chances to merit patience. “Florian’s game intelligence and creativity are world-class,” Nagelsmann remarked. “The results will follow.”

Wirtz’s Champions League form provides encouragement. Two assists in Europe, coupled with his consistent chance creation statistics, underline that his struggles in domestic competition may be more a case of adaptation than ability. Slot, too, has remained calm in his public comments, confident that Wirtz’s technical quality will soon translate into tangible output.

Faith in Long-Term Success

Liverpool’s title defence has been patchy, with inconsistency plaguing early-season performances. Yet within the club, there remains a firm belief that Wirtz will evolve into the central creative force envisaged when he was signed. Slot’s tactical system, which demands fluid positional play and pressing intelligence, suits Wirtz’s profile — but only once he finds rhythm and confidence in England’s unique environment.

While supporters may be growing impatient, there is perspective to be found. Many foreign players — from Thierry Henry to Kai Havertz — endured slow starts before flourishing in the Premier League. Wirtz’s intelligence, vision and composure suggest a similar trajectory could unfold. The young midfielder remains motivated and assured that his best football is yet to come.

For now, patience may prove Liverpool’s greatest ally. The German playmaker has the backing of his coach, his international manager and, crucially, his own belief. Given time, Florian Wirtz looks set to silence the critics and justify every penny of that record-breaking fee.