Florian Wirtz has been tipped to take the "next step" at Liverpool after getting to grips with life in the Premier League. The 23-year-old endured a mixed debut campaign with the Reds following his move last summer from Bayer Leverkusen in a £116million deal, chipping in with seven goals and 10 assists.
Wirtz's World Cup preparations
The Germany international is set to feature in his country's squad for the upcoming World Cup and got on the scoresheet in the 4-0 friendly victory against Finland in Mainz on Sunday. He will hope to make a similar impact in Saturday's friendly against hosts USA.
Freund's verdict
Former Germany international Steffen Freund — who enjoyed a Premier League career with Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City — is confident Wirtz can build on the lessons learnt during his first season at Anfield.
"I think the first year is always difficult, especially when you move to Liverpool as the Premier League champions," he told Betway. "The pressure was already there and it's a big traditional club. He was outstanding for Leverkusen and of course for Germany.
"I would say if he's not injured again, then he will take the next step next season. Especially if he's adapted to the pace of the Premier League and the physical presence, because it's a higher level than the Bundesliga."
Adapting to English football
Freund added: "It was the same at my time. I was shocked in the beginning because there's so much energy in every game. At 2-0 up, you think the job's done. But no, five or 10 minutes later, it's 2-2. So that's why it's taken a little bit more time for him to adapt."
The former midfielder also suggested that Liverpool may strengthen the squad further, easing the burden on Wirtz. "Maybe Liverpool will sign one or two big players so that it's not only Florian Wirtz who will have to make a difference on the pitch. I'm sure he will go to the next step. And then everyone will love him because he could be a top-class player. His ability and skill is why I still believe in him."
New manager on the horizon
During the World Cup, Wirtz will be hoping to impress Andoni Iraola, who is set to become the new Liverpool boss. The former Bournemouth head coach is set to take over from Arne Slot at Anfield imminently, having arrived on Merseyside today to sign his paperwork.
