Owen Hargreaves claims Liverpool have ‘one of the best players in Europe’ and nobody realises it

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Liverpool spent big during the 2025 summer transfer window, and ex-Manchester City midfielder Owen Hargreaves has suggested one new addition is among the best in Europe.Hugo Ekitike has been so good for the Reds after joining from Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring six in 15.Alexander Isak has endured a difficult spell, but is back in training ahead of Manchester City.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. Elsewhere, the displays of £116m-man Florian Wirtz have been put under a microscope, but Owen Hargreaves has now praised the player.Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty ImagesOwen Hargreaves defends Florian Wirtz amid criticism after Liverpool transferSpeaking to TNT Sports, Hargreaves claimed the German is ‘one of the best’ when it comes to playing against the ball and winning possession, despite some people criticising him.He said: “Was it more for these kind of half spaces, on the half turn I think he’s actually probably one of the best.”“He’s getting some criticism, people think against the ball it’s not one of his strengths, but actually, he’s probably one of the best players in Europe, this is possession won in the final third, in the Bundesliga he’s top, and in Europe’s top five leagues, he’s seventh.

“He’s actually one of the best players at doing it, it’s just about finding his feet in this Liverpool starting XI.”Arne Slot may have finally unlocked Florian Wirtz at LiverpoolWirtz has been told to remain patient and not doubt himself following his transfer to Liverpool.Elsewhere, former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov called the German ‘unbelievable’ and backed him to come good.Now, we may finally be seeing the best of Wirtz after Slot played him off the left against Real Madrid.It was one of his most eye-catching performances as a Red and could be the best position for him moving forward.Putting the 22-year-old out wide allowed Liverpool’s previously solid midfield to press better and secure a big win over Los Blancos, while getting a lot more out of their £100m-plus asset.Slot has commented on Wirtz’s position ahead of Man City, and said he is happy to use him in various areas. At present, though, it seems like the best place for him is on the left wing ahead of Cody Gakpo.