Liverpool’s feelings on Florian Wirtz emerge after damning Arsene Wenger claim
Florian Wirtz has had a slow start to life since his £116million transfer from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool, with Arsene Wenger claiming that his arrival has ‘destroyed’ the Reds’ midfield
Liverpool are NOT concerned by Florian Wirtz’s failure to register a goal or assist in the Premier League. Wirtz, 22, joined the Reds for a then British-record £116million in the summer transfer window, with Arne Slot hoping that his arrival could elevate his champions to new heights.
Instead, Liverpool have already lost four league games and no longer favourites to win the title come May. Wirtz has lost his place in Slot’s starting line-up and heads into Sunday’s clash game away to Manchester City with a point to prove – if he plays, of course.
Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger recently accused the German of ‘destroying’ Liverpool’s midfield which was so successful during Slot’s first campaign in charge. Wenger claimed on beIN SPORTS ahead of the impressive Reds’ 1-0 win against Real Madrid on Tuesday: “When Wirtz had the choice between going to Bayern Munich or Liverpool, he said to Liverpool, ‘I come to you if I play No 10. I do not want to play wide’.
“Liverpool, to get him, they say, ‘okay. They started him and they destroyed their midfield – which was (Ryan) Gravenberch, (Alexis) Mac Allister, (Dominik) Szoboszlai.
“To play Wirtz, they took Szoboszlai out. What have they done against Aston Villa? They have gone back to their midfield of last year. And tonight, they play Wirtz – but I’m sure that Wirtz will play on the side.
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“The manager has said: ‘If you want to play again, you will have to play wide because I do not want to disturb the midfield.’ That will be interesting to see tonight. Wirtz is back in the team but certainly will have to play left where he was when he played at Leverkusen.”
Wirtz did indeed play out wide against Real and produced arguably his best display since joining Liverpool. As the Daily Mail report, insiders at Anfield are pleased with the ex-Bayer Leverkusen star’s development, shrugging off the rampant criticism.
There’s also sympathy within the club that Wirtz is still getting used to the rigours of the Premier League. The Germany international’s parents, Hanz and Karin, who are also his agents, agree that he’s playing better than the raw data suggests.
Will Florian Wirtz come good? Give us your prediction in the comments section.
Slot this week rejected Wenger’s claims when they were put to him at his pre-match press conference before the City match. “Everyone has a right to his own opinion,” the Liverpool boss replied.
“We have five or six very good midfielders who can all play together but they need to play more together to get the best out of every single player. Florian needs time to adapt to his teammates and teammates need time to adapt to him.
“Now he played off the left but I can tell you, if it is not now it is tomorrow, he will have great performances as a midfielder for Liverpool as well.”
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