Premier League rival calls out 'absurd' Florian Wirtz discussion

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Daily Mirror IconSportFootballFlorian WirtzFlorian Wirtz has had a slow start to life with Liverpool following his big-money move to Anfield from Bayer Leverkusen and one of his international teammates has jumped to his defenceNewcastle star Nick Woltemade has slammed criticism of Florian Wirtz as “absurd” following the German’s slow start to life at Liverpool. He has four assists to his name in all competitions - jusr one of those coming in the Premier League.He thought he finally had his first goal for the Reds against Sunderland but his strike was eventually ruled as an own-goal from Nordi Mukiele.

Newcastle and Germany star Woltemade has hit out at the criticism that Wirtz has faced so far.Speaking to Germany outlet Stern, he slammed his critics as “absurd”, before adding: “This is a pseudo-discussion. Flo will make his way, even in the Premier League.”Unlike Wirtz, his Germany teammate Woltemade has enjoyed a quick start to life as a Newcastle player following his £69m move from Stuttgart.

The Dutchman has recently told the playmaker not to listen to his critics and instead focus on his own performances.He said: “There’s a very good reason why a club like us bought him: he’s an outstanding, world-class player in my eyes who can only become even better but it will take a bit of time. He was involved in the equaliser but he did many other good things, in the last game [at West Ham ] as well.”Wirtz will continue his search for his first Liverpool goal this weekend.