Liverpool have been urged to hold firm in their faith in Florian Wirtz, despite a challenging start at Anfield, with former Luka Modric team-mate David Bentley likening the young German midfielder to the Croatian maestro himself.
Following a summer splurge of approximately £450 million on new acquisitions, Wirtz arrived at Liverpool as their second-priciest purchase, setting the club back a cool £116 million after a sensational term with Bayer Leverkusen, where he notched 16 goals and 15 assists. However, the 20-year-old has struggled to replicate this form in the Premier League, registering just three assists.
The robust nature of English football has seemingly unsettled Wirtz, with his smaller stature being a less favourable match against physical sides. For instance, in a recent clash with Manchester City, he was dispossessed nine times and failed to attempt a tackle. Despite Liverpool’s efforts to integrate him into different roles and scenarios, the desired impact remains elusive.
Commenting on Wirtz’s plight, Bentley told Sky Sports: “He is an unbelievable player, so talented, fans and pundits have to stick by him. Yes, he’s exactly the same [as Modric]. When Modric came through the door, he was exactly the same in the way he receives the ball, scans, he knows what he is doing. He was an unbelievably technically gifted player, and both can set the tone and tempo of a football match, so you have to stick with him.”
Both Wirtz and Modric share a similar stature, each standing under 5ft 8in, necessitating a style of play centred on skill rather than physicality. Wirtz has already proven his worth as a creative force, boasting nearly 70 assists in club football.
The key to unlocking Wirtz’s potential at Liverpool lies not only with the player himself finding space to utilise his vision effectively but also with his team-mates’ awareness, ensuring they don’t leave him exposed to stronger opponents. Given time to adjust and build chemistry with his colleagues, Wirtz’s flair is expected to flourish.
Such was the case in a fixture against Eintracht Frankfurt, where Wirtz exquisitely assisted twice, showcasing his full array of playmaking abilities. As Liverpool navigate this season, patience and perseverance with Wirtz may very well ultimately prove rewarding.