'Across all competitions': Gundogan says he's read something recently which answers Wirtz's Liverpool critics
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Rousing the Kop or go back to LFC Live.
Florian Wirtz has faced a lot of criticism for his slow start to life at Liverpool.The Reds had a hugely successful transfer window that saw a raft of quality options arrive, leaving many to think that they would romp to the league title once again.However, a slow start to the season has left many fans a little more pessimistic, with almost all of the new signings failing to hit the ground running.Perhaps the biggest disappointment has been Wirtz, with the German failing to register a goal or an assist in nine games since his £116m move this summer.Many rival fans have been quick to label him a failure, with everything he now does being critiqued heavily, although ex-Man City star Ilkay Gundogan has backed his fellow German and believes anyone branding him a ‘flop’ may have spoken too soon.Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty ImagesIlkay Gundogan supports Florian WirtzGranted, Wirtz has been nowhere near the level many had expected him to be at, but equally he has not been as bad as some are making out.The 22-year-old has shown flashes of brilliance, he just needs the consistency and end product to follow suit.Some may be quick to judge and write him off, but Gundogan certainly isn’t, with the midfielder insisting that Wirtz will come good.“With the high transfer fee for Flo, it was somehow clear that things could get very loud very quickly in England – unfortunately, that’s the way the business works these days,” he told BILD.“It’s not Flo’s fault that he cost so much. However, I’ve read that across all competitions, no Premier League player has created more chances than Flo.“I would like to see a bit more in-depth analysis here – and not just focus on the bare assists and goals.
Anyone who doesn’t see Flo’s outstanding quality really doesn’t understand much about football. “To call it a transfer flop already is completely exaggerated.“I’m sure the goals and assists will come very soon – if not in October, then from November onwards.
No player or person in this world can completely block out so much noise; it always takes its toll on you.”READ MORE: Cody Gakpo has already shown why Liverpool fans should not panic over Ibrahima Konate’s futureHe concluded by saying: “Nevertheless, I believe Flo, as a human being, and given his immense talent, will get through this phase. Personally, I don’t have many doubts and see it as just a matter of time.”Florian Wirtz has the best chance to finally announce himselfOf course, Liverpool fans would have been hoping that he took the league by storm in his very first game, but that has not been the case.But now, the next best thing is to shine in their next game, this being against Manchester United.Due to the rivalry between the two clubs, it has, arguably, been the Red Devils fans who have been the loudest to criticise the German, meaning a performance against them would really silence the haters.Performing well against them at Anfield on Sunday will really make everyone forget about how slow he has started the season, meaning this is his best chance to really kick-start his Liverpool career.