Liverpool manager Arne Slot has defended Florian Wirtz following recent criticism over the midfielder’s lack of impact since joining the club. Wirtz, who arrived from Bayer Leverkusen for a club-record fee of 100 million pounds plus 16 million in bonuses, has yet to record a goal or assist in his first seven Premier League appearances. The German international’s slow start has fuelled scrutiny, particularly as Liverpool trails Arsenal by just one point after suffering three consecutive defeats across competitions.
Wirtz’s performance since his arrival has been a point of discussion among supporters and analysts, as expectations were high given the significant investment by the club. Despite the pressure, Slot has publicly shown confidence in the 22-year-old, emphasising that adaptation to a new league and country can take time.
“If you’ve been brought in for so much money, people look mainly at goals and assists, but I can tell you he could be on six or seven assists already,” Slot told Sky Sports ahead of Sunday’s league clash against bitter rivals Manchester United at Anfield.
“He’s been a bit unlucky with the finishing when he’s given his teammates chances, but, in general for a 22-year-old, it’s quite normal that you have to adjust to going to another country let alone going to the Premier League.”
Drawing from recent history, Slot referenced Kevin De Bruyne’s time at Chelsea as an example, suggesting that initial struggles do not preclude future success. De Bruyne, now considered one of the Premier League’s best midfielders, also endured a challenging adjustment period when he first arrived in England.
“Maybe I’m now underestimating the best midfielder who has ever played in the Premier League, Kevin De Bruyne, he was 21 or 22 when he went to Chelsea,” Slot said.
“Give him (Wirtz) a bit of time, I would say. I’m definitely going to give him a bit of time and in the meantime, he’s been unlucky.”
Liverpool will be aiming to get back to winning ways as they take on Manchester United at home in the Premier League on Sunday, October 19.
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