Liverpool manager Arne Slot has backed Florian Wirtz to justify his £116m price tag, insisting the Germany international has delivered 'exactly what we expected' despite a slow start in the Premier League. The 22-year-old playmaker has started all three Champions League games this season, providing two assists in the 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, but is yet to register a goal or assist in the league.
Wirtz was an unused substitute in the win against Aston Villa on Saturday and has been omitted from Slot's starting line-up against Manchester United, Chelsea and Everton. Slot attributed his lack of league output to bad luck and the intensity of English football. 'He has had his impact in a lot of games but has been unlucky with the end product either by himself or his teammates,' said Slot.
'For a player who comes from a different league… the Premier League is a bit more intense in all the games. If you look at that then he already played a lot. He will have his goals but I don't think it comes as a surprise to anyone that if you're 22 or 23 and come to a different league that you might need some time to adjust.' Slot compared Wirtz's adaptation to that of Ryan Gravenberch, who took longer to settle.
Wirtz's former Bayer Leverkusen manager, Xabi Alonso, now in charge of Real Madrid, echoed Slot's sentiments. 'I have no doubts. It is just a matter of time. It is a big change for him to come to Liverpool after so many years in Germany,' said Alonso. 'He is a really special player. He has quality and personality and he’s competitive.'
Wirtz helped Leverkusen end Bayern Munich's 11-year Bundesliga title reign last season and could return to Liverpool's starting XI for Tuesday's Champions League clash against Real Madrid at Anfield. Liverpool will be without Alexander Isak, Alisson and Jeremie Frimpong through injury.
