When Florian Wirtz joined Liverpool in the summer, he arrived burdened by immense expectations and hope. The £116 million transfer from Bayer Leverkusen was meant to signal the dawn of a new chapter at Anfield — one where the young German would reignite the creativity that once defined Liverpool’s midfield under Arne Slot’s new attacking vision. But only a few months into his Premier League adventure, things haven’t gone as planned. The bright smile from his unveiling day has faded into uncertainty, doubt, and pressure that follows him every time he steps onto the pitch.
At just 22 years old, Wirtz is already familiar with the scrutiny that comes with playing in one of the world’s toughest leagues. His first appearance on the bench last weekend against Chelsea was a surprise to many, but it also revealed Slot’s desperation to shake things up. Liverpool had lost their rhythm, and Wirtz — once hailed as Leverkusen’s “crown jewel” — was struggling to find his place. When he came on at halftime with Liverpool trailing 1–0 after a Moisés Caicedo strike, he gave glimpses of his brilliance, including a clever flick to Mohamed Salah that nearly created a goal. It was a reminder of his immense potential.
Yet, the result told a familiar story. Liverpool equalized through Cody Gakpo, only to lose 2–1 after Estevão’s late winner for Chelsea — their third straight defeat. Arsenal climbed to the top of the table, and Liverpool fans were left questioning where it had all gone wrong. Among the doubts stood Wirtz, still searching for his first Premier League goal or assist.
Online, the “007” jokes — seven games, zero goals, zero assists — have already surfaced, reflecting football’s ruthless meme culture. It’s the kind of ridicule that can weigh heavily on a young player adapting to a new country. Although he recorded an assist in the Community Shield against Crystal Palace, his Premier League stats remain empty. Critics are starting to question his price tag and whether he was ready for the step up. Still, those who know him best — his teammates and mentors — insist time will prove his worth.
The October international break has arrived at just the right moment. As Liverpool’s form dipped, a recall to the German national team lifted Wirtz’s spirits. Back in familiar surroundings, he looked more relaxed, smiling as he joined training. Germany feels like home — a place where he’s trusted and understood. Perhaps a brief escape from the chaos in England could help him reset.
His only goal of the season so far came during the previous international window — a brilliant free kick against Northern Ireland. That strike followed criticism in Germany after a 2–0 loss to Slovakia, with some suggesting the move to Liverpool had disrupted his focus. But in the days that followed, a wave of support emerged. German football legends stepped forward to defend him.
Rudi Völler, Germany’s sporting director and one of football’s most respected figures, spoke candidly about Wirtz’s situation. “At Leverkusen, even with stars like Xhaka, Grimaldo, and Andrich, everything revolved around Florian,” Völler said. “He was the leader, even as a young player. Every time he wanted the ball, he got it. At Liverpool, it’s different. He’s still learning how to fit in. It takes time.”
Völler, who has been watching Liverpool closely, understands that the Premier League demands quicker adaptation and greater physicality. But he also knows Wirtz’s character. “He’s not a diva,” he added. “He works hard, presses, runs, and gives everything. He’ll find his way. He’s not just talented — he has heart and determination. It’s only a matter of time.”
He’s not alone in that belief. Bastian Schweinsteiger reminded fans that transitions like these take time. “Moving from the Bundesliga to the Premier League is a big adjustment,” he said. “I experienced the same.” Schweinsteiger’s empathy comes from his own struggles at Manchester United. “Florian will bring us joy. He’s a special footballer with a great attitude. Germany should be proud of him.”
Lothar Matthäus, another legend of the game, echoed that sentiment. “It’s normal after a big transfer abroad,” he told Sky Germany. “He’s a top player — he just needs time to adapt. I went through it myself at Inter Milan. Once you settle, you shine. Florian will too.”
Michael Ballack, who once made the same leap from Leverkusen to the Premier League, also understands the challenge. “At Leverkusen, the game ran through him. At Liverpool, he’s surrounded by stars. It’s not easy,” Ballack explained. “But he’s too talented to fail. This experience will only make him stronger.”
Even Philipp Lahm joined the chorus of reassurance. “I’m not worried about him,” Lahm said. “He has exceptional quality and intelligence. True class always comes through — and it will with Florian Wirtz.”
These words of support have helped reassure Liverpool fans, who have seen flashes of his ability even if the numbers don’t yet show it. His sharp turns, vision, and one-touch passing recall memories of Coutinho or a young Thiago. The issue isn’t talent — it’s chemistry. Under Slot, Liverpool’s midfield is still evolving, and Wirtz’s natural creativity hasn’t fully clicked into the system yet.
Inside the training ground, his dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. He’s quiet, hardworking, and often stays behind after sessions to improve his finishing. Slot has privately praised his attitude. Wirtz knows what he was signed for, and every minute on the pitch is another chance to prove it.
At Leverkusen, Wirtz was the heartbeat of Xabi Alonso’s team. Every attack flowed through him. At Liverpool, he’s one of several creative forces — alongside Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo, and Díaz — all vying for influence. Finding balance among such talent takes time.
Still, fans haven’t given up. They remember how other stars needed patience before thriving — De Bruyne, Havertz, even Salah himself. They’ve learned that slow starts don’t define careers.
The coming weeks could mark a turning point. With games against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland, Wirtz has the perfect chance to rediscover his confidence in Germany’s setup, where he plays with more freedom. Rudi Völler put it simply: “He’ll deliver two great performances — he just needs belief.”
Back in England, pundits remain divided. Some call his start disappointing; others, like Owen Hargreaves, argue Liverpool should shape their system around him. But despite the noise, there’s a quiet sense of optimism — that once Wirtz finds his first goal, everything will change.
Adjusting from being the focal point in Germany to one piece of Liverpool’s puzzle is never easy. The pace, the scrutiny, the relentless media — it’s a test of resilience. But Wirtz’s humility stands out. He doesn’t complain or seek excuses. He simply works. And that’s why so many legends have defended him. They recognize the same courage they once had — the bravery to chase greatness beyond their comfort zone.
Every footballer has that one defining moment — a goal, an assist, a spark that changes everything. Maybe Wirtz’s moment will come in the next Germany game, or maybe at Anfield. Either way, his story is just beginning.
Liverpool fans have seen it before: slow starters who became icons — Salah, Mané, Firmino. The pressure at Anfield is immense, but so is the love. Once a player wins over the fans, they never forget. Wirtz understands that, and that’s why, despite the criticism, he still walks out smiling. Deep down, he knows his time will come.
For now, all eyes turn to the international break. Surrounded by familiar faces, speaking his own language, playing his natural game — this could be the spark he needs. Because when belief meets talent, magic follows.
For Arne Slot and Liverpool, October could be the month where everything begins to turn — for both the club and their record signing. Wirtz’s story isn’t one of failure but of growth, patience, and faith. The pressure is heavy, the spotlight relentless, but he has what it takes — the support of legends, the trust of his nation, and the will to persevere.
Football often tests those destined for greatness. The toughest beginnings can lead to the most beautiful rises. Florian Wirtz might not be soaring yet, but when he does, fans will look back at this moment not as a failure, but as the start of something special. Because, as Philipp Lahm said, “Quality and class always prevail.” And in time, so will Florian Wirtz.
