When Florian Wirtz arrived at Liverpool this summer, expectations were sky-high. His £116 million move from Bayer Leverkusen was hailed as the beginning of a new era under Arne Slot — one built on creativity and youth. But just a few months into his Premier League career, reality has hit hard. What started as a dream transfer has turned into a period of struggle and adaptation for the 22-year-old German star.
Wirtz’s talent is unquestionable, but adjusting to life in England has proven tougher than expected. His absence from Liverpool’s starting lineup against Chelsea raised eyebrows, though it also highlighted Slot’s urgency to shake up his team. When Wirtz came off the bench in the second half, Liverpool were already chasing the game. He showed flashes of brilliance — a smart flick here, a neat pass there — but the result was another painful defeat, Liverpool’s third in a row.
Despite moments of promise, Wirtz is still waiting for his first Premier League goal or assist. The internet has not been kind, with “007” memes mocking his barren start — seven games, zero goals, zero assists. It’s harsh treatment for a player still finding his rhythm in a new country and a much faster league.
Fortunately, the international break has come at a perfect time. A call-up to the German national team has given Wirtz a lift, reminding him of the environment where he first shone. During the last break, he scored a stunning free kick against Northern Ireland — a glimpse of the confidence that made him Leverkusen’s star.
In Germany, football legends have rallied behind him. Rudi Völler, Germany’s sporting director, defended the midfielder, reminding fans that adaptation takes time. “At Leverkusen, everything ran through him,” Völler said. “At Liverpool, he’s learning to share responsibility. He’s no diva — he works hard and gives everything.”
Others echoed that sentiment. Bastian Schweinsteiger urged patience, pointing out how tough it is to adapt to the Premier League’s intensity. Lothar Matthäus, Michael Ballack, and Philipp Lahm all shared the same message: Wirtz is too talented and determined to fail. “True class always comes through,” Lahm said confidently.
Inside Liverpool, there’s no panic. Arne Slot has praised Wirtz’s attitude and work ethic, noting how often he stays behind after training to perfect his finishing. The challenge lies not in talent, but in chemistry. Wirtz was the heartbeat of Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen, where every attack went through him. At Liverpool, he’s part of a star-studded cast — Salah, Szoboszlai, Díaz, Gakpo — all vying for influence.
Patience has paid off for Liverpool before. Salah, Mané, and Firmino all had slow starts before becoming legends. Fans are hopeful that Wirtz’s moment will come — one goal, one assist, one spark that changes everything.
As Germany’s October fixtures approach, Wirtz has the chance to rediscover his rhythm and confidence. Back home, surrounded by familiar faces and a system built around his strengths, he could return to Liverpool refreshed and ready to deliver.
Wirtz’s story isn’t one of failure; it’s one of growth. He’s young, gifted, and resilient — and the legends of German football believe in him. For Liverpool, October could mark the beginning of his transformation from a struggling newcomer to the creative heartbeat of a new Anfield era.
Because, as Philipp Lahm said best: “Quality and class always prevail.” And in time, Florian Wirtz’s will too.
