Liverpool have been warned that speculation over the future of Florian Wirtz will intensify if the Germany international fails to make an immediate impact under new head coach Andoni Iraola.
Wirtz, who joined from Bayer Leverkusen last summer for £116 million, endured an inconsistent campaign under previous manager Arne Slot. The 23-year-old has shown promise in pre-season, scoring against Leeds United in the United States and contributing to the second goal in Sunday's 3-2 defeat to Monaco at Anfield.
Hamann urges Wirtz to maintain momentum
Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann believes Wirtz must sustain that form to prevent doubts about his suitability at Anfield from growing in the coming months.
"The player I want to see shine is Wirtz because if you want to play a good role in the Champions League or the Premier League, you've got to get the best out of him," said Hamann.
"Slot wasn't able to do that last season, for whatever reason, and I just hope he hits the ground running because if he doesn't start the season well, by the first international break we'll have a scenario where people will maybe say 'well, is it the right place for him?'
"Obviously that's what you don't want about one of your star players who cost so much money, that there are even more doubts about whether he's going to succeed."
"It's a huge season for Wirtz, but he's got to start the season well. If he doesn't, I think that Wirtz topic, that Wirtz issue, could become very hot very quickly."
Iraola's first test at Newcastle
Iraola will take charge of his first competitive game as Liverpool boss in the Premier League opener at Newcastle United on Sunday week. The Basque led Bournemouth to European qualification for the first time in their history last season, with the Cherries finishing sixth, just behind Liverpool.
Hamann believes Iraola should not be under pressure to deliver silverware in his debut season.
"I don't think he has to win a trophy because I think it's similar to (Arne) Slot," Hamann said. "Slot came in two years ago and I said if he finishes in the top four, he's had a successful season. Nobody could foresee that he was going to win the league.
"Obviously, it all came crashing down the next season. If Iraola finishes in the top four and qualifies automatically for the Champions League, he's had a good season."
"He just has to steady the ship, get some performances and make it obvious that there's some progress, which wasn't the case last season."
Hamann's advice for Iraola
Speaking to TribalFootball via MrQ, Hamann added: "My advice? Enjoy it. Obviously, he will find out very quickly that Liverpool is a massive club if he hasn't realised it by now."
"It's a huge responsibility to be Liverpool manager. Enjoy it and hopefully take the fans on a brilliant ride in the Premier League and, you know, hopefully in the Champions League as well."
