Arne Slot has defended Florian Wirtz ahead of Liverpool's Champions League clash with Real Madrid, insisting the £116m signing has produced 'exactly what we expected' despite a slow start in the Premier League. The 22-year-old playmaker has been on the bench in recent league games but has started all three Champions League matches, registering two assists in the 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt.
Wirtz is yet to score or assist in the Premier League, but Slot attributed the lack of end product to bad luck and the need to adapt to English football's intensity. 'For me, he brought exactly what we expected, a player who created a lot for the team,' Slot said. 'He will have his goals but I don't think it comes as a surprise that if you're 22 or 23 and come to a different league, you might need some time to adjust.'
Slot compared Wirtz's situation to that of Ryan Gravenberch, who took time to settle at Liverpool. The Dutch midfielder has since become a key figure. Liverpool will again be without injured trio Alexander Isak, Alisson and Jeremie Frimpong for Tuesday's tie. Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso, who managed Wirtz at Bayer Leverkusen, echoed Slot's confidence. 'I have no doubts. It is just a matter of time,' Alonso said. 'He is a really special player. He has quality and personality and he's competitive.'
Wirtz helped end Bayern Munich's 11-year Bundesliga title streak under Alonso in 2023-24 before moving to Anfield. Alonso credited Wirtz with playing a role in his own rise to coaching Real Madrid. 'Hopefully not tomorrow, but I've no doubt he will show his quality and class,' he added.
