German legend blames Liverpool teammates for Florian Wirtz’s recent struggles | OneFootball

Florian Wirtz Under Scrutiny as Liverpool Search for Rhythm

Liverpool paid £116 million for Florian Wirtz expecting instant impact, not patience. After bursting onto the scene with an assist in the FA Community Shield against Crystal Palace, the German playmaker appeared set for a seamless transition under Arne Slot. Instead, seven Premier League games have passed without a goal or assist. For a player crowned Germany’s Footballer of the Year in 2025 on the back of 31 goal contributions for Leverkusen, the drought feels jarring.

His struggles are not for lack of effort. Wirtz covers ground, presses, drifts between lines and shows for the ball. What he has not received is service. That is the view of Germany legend Rudi Voller, who offered a blunt defence of the attacker. “He does an incredible amount, runs a lot, sprints a lot, and also drops deep,” he told Sky90. “But he doesn’t get passed to him the way he was used to in Leverkusen or the national team. You have to work on that over the course of weeks and months.”

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool Still Learning Slot’s System

In truth, Voller’s comments reflect a wider issue. Liverpool have looked disjointed in attack, uncertain when to play quickly and when to build patiently. Slot’s pressing game relies on midfielders breaking lines early and wide players tucking in to create overloads. Wirtz, often stationed between full back and centre half, is demanding passes that are either arriving too late or not at all.

That disconnect is not uncommon when a possession-based coach attempts to blend automatisms with instinct. Wirtz thrived at Leverkusen because he operated in a team drilled to feed him early and often. At Anfield, he is still establishing his hierarchy within a dressing room full of senior names. Confidence is not the issue, chemistry is.

International Break Offers Opportunity

The timing of the international break could be crucial. Slot now has space to drill combinations, reinforce patterns and realign roles. Wirtz himself will benefit from time away from scrutiny, a chance to reset mentally and physically after a compressed start to life in England. Liverpool’s staff are convinced his breakthrough will come once understanding develops around him.

Fixtures Demand Fast Progress

There is little margin for error upon return. A clash with Manchester United will expose any hesitation. A Champions League trip to Eintracht Frankfurt follows, another test of Wirtz’s ability to influence games at the very top level. Nobody doubts his quality, only how quickly Liverpool can tune themselves to his wavelength.

The price tag brings expectation, but history suggests elite creators often need adaptation periods when moving into higher tempo leagues. Liverpool did not invest in a highlights reel, they invested in a long-term fulcrum. If Slot aligns system and talent, Wirtz will repay that faith. The question is not if, but when.