Florian Wirtz 'entitled' claim after Liverpool star's feelings clear - 'That's not unusual'

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Echo or go back to LFC Live.

Liverpool Echo IconSportFootballLiverpool FCFlorian Wirtz has endured a difficult start to life as a Liverpool player since his £116m summer transfer from Bayer LeverkusenGerman football sporting director Rudi Voller has defended Florian Wirtz's start to life as a Liverpool player. The Reds signed Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen during the summer transfer window in a deal worth up to £116million with add-ons.Wirtz is yet to score his first goal in a Liverpool shirt, having made 16 appearances across all competitions.The 22-year-old has three assists to his name since arriving at Anfield, but would likely have been hoping for better numbers after the opening few months of his Liverpool career.Wirtz is currently with the Germany national team for the November international break, and the country's sporting director has weighed in on the criticism that the Liverpool midfielder has received in the last few months.READ MORE: Premier League panel make new decision on Virgil van Dijk goal in Man City vs LiverpoolREAD MORE: Arne Slot fired fresh Liverpool warning as top-four point made – 'Look what happened'"That's not unusual in England, where there are many experts who feel entitled to offer very sharp criticism of players," Voller said in an interview with Kolner Stadt-Anzeiger."That's part of the game, too.

But Florian doesn't let it get to him – we're seeing that right now with the national team – because he knows that assists and goals aren't the only indicators of quality in football. He's proven his running and playing abilities many times in the Premier League as well."People are currently underestimating Florian's influence on Liverpool's game, which, in general, isn't delivering what everyone expects from such a top team.

But that's definitely not down to one single player.""Florian will make his way, I have absolutely no doubt about that," Voller added."Florian is a wonderful player, and people in England will soon see that too."A report in Sport Bild earlier this week claimed that Wirtz is "not particularly bothered" about comments from pundits criticising his performances for Liverpool.The Germany international will be hoping to play a key role for Liverpool in their quest to return to winning ways when the Premier League returns on November 22 with a home clash against Nottingham Forest.For the latest news and breaking news, visit liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/liverpool-fc. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.Follow us on X @‌LivEchoLFC - the official Liverpool ECHO LFC X account - for all the latest LFC news as it happens in real time.We're also on Facebook/LiverpoolEchoLFC - your must-see LFC news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.Listen to our podcasts by searching for 'Blood Red' wherever you get your podcasts.Sign up for one of the Liverpool Echo's free daily and weekly newsletters on Liverpool FC by clicking here.