Florian Wirtz’s early days at Liverpool haven’t lived up to the sky-high expectations that came with his £100 million price tag. But while critics are quick to question his form, German football icons Oliver Kahn and Rudi Völler believe it’s only a matter of time before the young midfielder finds his footing in the Premier League. Former Liverpool winger Vladimir Smicer has also thrown his support behind Wirtz, urging fans to give him the time and space he needs to thrive.
A Rough Start Amid High Expectations
Liverpool came flying out of the blocks this season, winning their first five Premier League games and briefly topping the table. But back-to-back defeats—to Crystal Palace in the league and Galatasaray in the Champions League—have cooled the early excitement. With results faltering, scrutiny has turned to several new signings, including Wirtz.
The 22-year-old German international arrived at Anfield from Bayer Leverkusen in a record-breaking deal that could rise to £116 million with add-ons. Despite the hype, Wirtz has yet to register a goal or assist in nine appearances across all competitions, raising questions about his adaptation to English football.
Kahn: Wirtz Must Be Given Time to Adapt
Oliver Kahn, former Bayern Munich and Germany goalkeeper, urged patience and defended Wirtz’s potential. Speaking to Welt.de, Kahn emphasized the difficulty of transitioning to the Premier League, especially for young players moving from familiar environments.
“If we start judging a player of his quality this early, we’re doing something wrong,” Kahn said. “He left a safe, comfortable situation at Leverkusen to challenge himself at one of the toughest clubs in world football. That takes courage, and these early challenges are crucial for his growth.”
Kahn acknowledged the intensity of Premier League football, noting that Wirtz is now competing with players who are just as talented, if not more so. “He needs time. You don’t invest in a young player like him and expect immediate perfection.”
Völler: A Natural Adjustment Period
Rudi Völler, another legendary figure in German football, echoed Kahn’s sentiment. In an interview with Bild, Völler dismissed the early criticism, calling Wirtz’s struggles part of a normal adaptation process.
“Almost every player faces difficulties when moving to a new league and club,” Völler said. “He has all the tools—his vision, energy, and technical ability—to become a standout in the Premier League. I’m confident he’ll show the English what he’s really made of.”
Smicer: Wirtz Will Prove He’s a Warrior
Former Liverpool winger Vladimir Smicer also weighed in, drawing parallels between his own experience at Anfield and what Wirtz is going through. Smicer, who joined Liverpool in 1999 as Steve McManaman’s replacement, knows the pressure that comes with high expectations.
“He’s a fantastic player,” Smicer told BoyleSports. “But football isn’t always easy. It’s not always Christmas—it’s war out there, especially in the Premier League. He needs to show that he’s a warrior.”
Smicer pointed to a recent match against Newcastle as a turning point, where Wirtz was heavily challenged physically. “It was like an old-school English game from the ’80s—tough, aggressive. He seemed surprised, but that’s the reality here. He’ll adapt, but it takes time.”
Pressure Comes with the Badge
All three figures stressed a common theme: joining Liverpool comes with immense pressure, and not every player hits the ground running. The Premier League’s physical demands, media scrutiny, and intense fan expectations can be overwhelming, particularly for a young international talent adjusting to a new country and system.
But the consensus is clear—Wirtz has the talent, mentality, and support to succeed at Liverpool. The question is not if he will adapt, but when.
