Florian Wirtz’s much-anticipated move to Liverpool was one of the summer’s biggest transfer headlines. But just a few weeks into the Premier League season, the German international is already facing scrutiny. Despite Liverpool’s perfect start to the campaign, Wirtz is still searching for his first goal or assist — and now, he’s addressing the growing pressure and advice he’s received, including from legendary former manager Jürgen Klopp.
A Perfect Start for Liverpool, But a Slow One for Wirtz
Liverpool have opened their Premier League season with five straight wins, giving them a five-point cushion at the top of the table. The team’s early dominance reflects a successful summer overhaul that saw eight new faces arrive at Anfield, including marquee signings like Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, and Wirtz.
The 22-year-old playmaker arrived from Bayer Leverkusen in a blockbuster deal that could rise to £116 million, depending on bonuses and team achievements. Yet, seven games into his Liverpool career across all competitions, Wirtz is yet to make a tangible impact on the scoresheet.
Arne Slot Defends Decision to Bench Wirtz
In Liverpool’s latest victory — a 2-0 win over Everton in the Merseyside Derby — Wirtz was named among the substitutes. Manager Arne Slot clarified that the decision was part of the club’s rotation policy, not a reflection of the player’s form.
Nonetheless, questions have begun to surface about whether Wirtz has the necessary attributes to thrive in the Premier League’s high-intensity environment. Critics are beginning to wonder if Liverpool’s investment will pay off.
Wirtz: “I Know I’ll Deliver”
Speaking to Sky Sport Germany’s Sebastian Hellmann, Wirtz offered an honest assessment of his start at Liverpool. When presented with advice from former Reds boss Jürgen Klopp — who told him to “stay cool” — Wirtz remained composed.
“Yes, of course I would have liked to have scored a goal or collected a few points. But no matter what anyone says, I’m staying cool,” Wirtz said. “I know what I’m capable of, and I also know that I’ll really bring it to the pitch at some point.”
He acknowledged that he hears constant calls to be patient, something that hasn’t always sat well with the ambitious midfielder.
“I hear it often. I don’t want to hear it all the time: ‘Give it time, give it time.’ Instead, I simply try to do better each time than before,” he added. “I’m not playing badly, I just haven’t gotten the points yet. It will come eventually, and then everything will be fine.”
A Bundesliga Star Eager to Prove Himself in England
Wirtz arrived in England with a strong reputation, having lit up the Bundesliga with his creativity, vision, and goalscoring ability. While his adaptation to the Premier League hasn’t been seamless, the 22-year-old remains confident that it’s only a matter of time before he finds his rhythm.
“It’s no secret that I’d like to have more so far, but I’m patient,” Wirtz explained. “I know full well that I can play football well. Sooner or later, I’m sure that will return to normal.”
Conclusion: The Pressure is On — But So Is the Belief
Wirtz’s start to life at Anfield hasn’t delivered instant fireworks, but both the player and his club appear to be taking the long view. With Liverpool flying high in the standings and the season still in its early stages, there’s plenty of time for the young German to silence his critics and live up to the hype. And if Wirtz’s self-belief is anything to go by, it may not be long before he begins to shine.