Florian Wirtz is learning that life in the Premier League is much tougher than in the Bundesliga. Since joining Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen for a potential £116m, opponents have been targeting him as the Reds’ creative spark, denying him space and time on the ball.
Aldridge compares Wirtz to Liverpool legend Peter Beardsley, describing him as a “silky” player who glides across the pitch. He believes Arne Slot may need to tweak Liverpool’s system to get the best out of him but insists patience is key—Wirtz is only 22, has already shown flashes of brilliance, and will soon prove why he commanded such a high fee.
With big home games against Atletico Madrid and Everton coming up, Aldridge feels this is the perfect moment for Wirtz to make his mark.
Isak Needs Patience
Alexander Isak, Liverpool’s record signing after Wirtz, is also taking time to settle. He was left out of the squad for the win over Burnley, but Aldridge stresses this is down to fitness rather than injury.
The Swedish striker hasn’t played much since the end of last season, and while he has been training hard, Aldridge points out that match sharpness is very different from training fitness. He suggests Isak may get his chance against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, predicting that fans will soon see the first steps of his Liverpool career.
⚽ In short: Aldridge urges patience with both Wirtz and Isak—two record signings who he believes will eventually shine for Liverpool once they’re fully settled and match sharp.
