Germany legend weighs in on Florian Wirtz’s struggles at Liverpool

Germany legend has spoken out about Florian Wirtz's struggles since joining Liverpool, acknowledging the challenges the young midfielder has faced adapting to the Premier League.

Wirtz's £116 million move from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool in June 2025 was met with high expectations, as he was anticipated to become a key creative force in Liverpool's midfield. However, his early performances have been underwhelming, with no goals or assists in competitive Premier League matches yet, aside from an assist in the Community Shield, which doesn't count towards league statistics. Part of the struggle has been his deployment in positions like left wing, which critics and former players suggest do not suit his natural playmaking role as a number 10. Liverpool's manager Arne Slot has substituted him in every Premier League match so far, signaling ongoing concerns about Wirtz’s impact on the pitch[1].

Despite these initial struggles, analysts and fans remain patient. Wirtz is adapting to the physicality and pace of the Premier League, which has proven demanding. Liverpool have also faced tough opposition early in the season, often being tightly marked and restricted in pockets of space, limiting Wirtz’s ability to express his creativity. Nevertheless, his workrate has been strong, with high averages in pressures and turnovers won per 90 minutes, underscoring his contribution off the ball[2].

Experts believe that tactical adjustments by Slot could unlock Wirtz’s potential, suggesting a return to his favored role as a number 10 and formations that better support his style. The addition of striker Alexander Isak to the squad is also expected to add another attacking dimension that could help Wirtz flourish. The overall early season phase is described as "building the plane while flying it," with Liverpool integrating new players and adapting to significant squad changes[2][3].

In sum, while Florian Wirtz has yet to match expectations at Liverpool, footballing authorities see this as part of a normal adjustment period with reasons to be optimistic about his future contributions once tactical and physical adaptations settle in[1][2][3].