Liverpool exit rumour, agreement reached – Florian Wirtz’s international break
Florian Wirtz has not found life easy at Liverpool after his blockbuster £116million summer move and he endured a mixed international break ahead of a clash against Manchester United
Florian Wirtz has yet to settle at Liverpool and he endured another mixed bag away on international duty with Germany. Arne Slot’s side face Manchester United on Sunday and Wirtz will be eager to show what he’s capable of.
Wirtz arrived from Bayer Leverkusen in June with a big reputation and an even more substantial price tag. A then-British record fee of £116million including add-ons was paid for the 22-year-old dynamic midfield player.
After some adequate pre-season performances, Wirtz provided an assist in Liverpool’s Community Shield loss, but it has all been downhill since then. He is yet to contribute to a goal in the Premier League and continues to be come under fire for subpar showings.
Mirror Football takes a look at how Wirtz fared both on and off the pitch over the international break, including rumours about his future and a hostile reception from fans.
Real Madrid rumours
Wirtz has been a Liverpool player for less than four months. But, thanks to some underwhelming showings, he has seen his name linked with a loan move away from Anfield.
READ MORE: Liverpool dressing room’s ‘view’ on Hugo Ekitike after striker’s apologyREAD MORE: Florian Wirtz booed in World Cup qualifier as Liverpool flop’s nightmare continues
Ex-Arsenal and Chelsea star Emmanuel Petit told BoyleSports: “I heard that Xabi Alonso wants Real Madrid to keep an eye on Florian Wirtz ahead of a possible loan in January.
“That’s how much he respects him as a player. Alonso knows his quality, many players in Germany have also defended him. Wirtz recently stated in the press that he isn’t panicking.
“He knows his quality and believes that sooner or later, it will show on the pitch. I hope for his sake it does, because if it doesn’t, it will be very difficult for him to cope with the pressure and criticism.”
German legends agree on Wirtz verdict
Although some have been critical of Wirtz and his performances, a trio of German icons agree that he will come good on Merseyside. Director of the German national team Rudi Voller told Sky90: “He’s not only an extraordinary footballer, he also has a great character.
“He will give everything from the first to the last minute, always push forward. He also has incredible running stats. He will assert himself.”
Former Bayern Munich and Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger concurred and said upon his induction into the German Football Hall of Fame in Dortmund: “We have to give the players a bit of time.
“Especially when you move from the Bundesliga to the Premier League, players also have to adjust a bit. I have experienced that myself.”
Germany legend Lothar Matthaus added when speaking to Sky: “[Struggling] is normal after such a big move abroad. But he’s a superb player, he will get used to the Premier League over time and be able to handle the even bigger pressure.”
Wirtz booed whilst playing for Germany
Not all have been so friendly to Wirtz since his Liverpool switch as he found out on Monday evening when Germany faced Northern Ireland. He played almost all of the 1-0 World Cup qualifying win but did not endear himself to the home supporters.
After defender Dan Ballard’s goal was chalked off by the Video Assistant Referee inside 15 minutes, the crowd’s frustrations grew and Nick Woltemade’s first-half strike didn’t ease this anger.
Wirtz then felt the fans’ annoyance in the second half when he threw himself to the ground in the penalty area. Northern Irish supporters were up in arms over what they considered a dive and no penalty was awarded.
The 22-year-old was then jeered every time he got the ball. Boos rang out minutes after the incident when he again went down just outside the box.
Liverpool told they’d ‘take a refund’ on Wirtz
Another who voiced their doubts about Wirtz over the intentional break was ex-Everton defender Joleon Lescott. The 42-year-old believes that if the Reds could recoup their £116m fee from Bayer Leverkusen for Wirtz, then they would oblige.
“I’m not convinced,” Lescott admitted on In The Mixer, brought to you by Sky Bet. “If Liverpool could get their money back at the end of the season, they would do it.
“Listen, we can’t judge him solely on the games that he’s played in, but he should have had an impact on one of those games. And for me, it was the Burnley game.
“I’m like, if you’re an attacking player, forget the fee and we need a goal, I shouldn’t be taking you off. You should be the guy that then hopefully creates the opportunity.”
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