Florian Wirtz has struggled to replicate his form in the Premier League since his record-breaking switch to Liverpool, but Granit Xhaka has no doubt that the playmaker will come good
Granit Xhaka has dismissed worries surrounding Liverpool playmaker Florian Wirtz whilst providing rare insight into the 22-year-old’s mindset behind the scenes. Both the Switzerland international and Wirtz celebrated triumph together at Bayer Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso as they claimed both the Bundesliga and German Cup.
The Germany international has faced criticism in recent weeks following his sluggish start to Premier League life which has coincided with the defending champions’ decline. Following his £116million switch from Leverkusen, the spotlight has focused on the playmaker and whether he can reproduce his impressive displays in England’s top-flight.
Following a sequence of three consecutive losses – with two coming in the Premier League – Liverpool icons and big-name pundits analysed the Reds and identified Wirtz as a problem, highlighting a lack of equilibrium with him in the squad.
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Jamie Carragher and Wayne Rooney both identified weaknesses in Arne Slot’s team but believed that Wirtz would prove successful for the Reds once they finally clicked.
And the former Arsenal midfielder Xhaka reckons that Wirtz will illuminate the Premier League.
“Flo Wirtz I had the joy to be with him for three years. A lot of English people will enjoy him, he was unbelievable, not just with the ball but the work off the ball,” he told Sky Sports.
“I didn’t see many number 10s on his level with or without the ball. To be his age, 20, 21, have this mentality, putting in work day-by-day before training, after training, being angry if he doesn’t win a training session, this is Florian Wirtz.
“I know how much he can bring to the Premier League, hopefully not against us but the rest of the year I wish him the best because he deserves it.”
Despite mixed reviews from the English press, back home in Germany, footballing legends have been quick to defend Wirtz and remain optimistic about his performances.
Rudi Voller sees promising signs from the young German star, even though his goal contributions haven’t quite hit the mark yet.
“The big difference is: at Bayer Leverkusen, despite the individual quality of the other players, he was always looked for,” Voller told Sky90.
“Players like Granit Xhaka, Alejandro Grimaldo or Robert Andrich certainly ran the game. But the moment Florian made himself available, he always got the ball. Even as a young lad, he was already the boss.
“I deliberately watched some Liverpool games with him: he does an incredible amount of work, runs a lot, makes many sprints, and also goes deep.
“But he isn’t played to in the way he was used to at Leverkusen or with the national team. That’s something that has to be developed over weeks and months.
“I know that he’s not one of those divas in his position who stand around with their heads down if they’re not passed to three times. Florian isn’t like that.
“He’s not only an extraordinary footballer, he also has a great character. He will give everything from the first to the last minute, always push forward. He also has incredible running stats. He will assert himself.
“We’re very happy that he is with us for ten days now. I am convinced he will deliver two wonderful international matches.”