2 weeks ago
43
Sunderland midfielder and Arsenal cult hero Granit Xhaka has endorsed Florian Wirtz to shine at Liverpool, backing his former Bayer Leverkusen colleague ahead of Chelsea's Cole Palmer when pressed to choose between the duo.
Xhaka and Wirtz were pivotal players under Xabi Alonso during the 23-24 season as Leverkusen completed an undefeated Bundesliga campaign to claim the club's maiden German championship before reaching the Europa League final, where the team fell to Atalanta.
The ex-Arsenal skipper joined Premier League team Sunderland around the time the German talent secured his move to Anfield, and when Sky Sports asked him to compare his former teammate with Chelsea's Palmer and Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes, the Switzerland international opted for the Reds' No. 7.
"Yeah, [it's] between Palmer and Flo Wirtz, let's say with Flo Wirtz, I had the joy to be with him for three years," Xhaka said. "You will [see his quality], a lot of English people will enjoy him because he's unbelievable, not just with the ball, but the work without the ball.
"I didn't see many No.10s on his level without the ball and with the ball. To be in this age 20-21 to have this mentality, the work to put [in] day by day, before the training and after the training, to be angry if you don't win a training session, this is Florian Wirtz.
"I saw him for two [years], and I have a lot of respect for Palmer as well, but because I was with Wirtz for two years and I know how much he can bring to the Premier League. Hopefully not against us, Sunderland, but the rest of the year I wish him just the best because he deserves that."
Despite not yet scoring or providing an assist in either the Premier League or Champions League for Liverpool, Wirtz has featured in all three matches prior to the international break, which concluded with losses at Crystal Palace, Galatasaray and Chelsea.
The 22-year-old contributed to Germany's 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland at Windsor Park on Monday. As he gears up for his first experience of a Liverpool vs. Manchester United clash this Sunday, the attacking midfielder has gained a new supporter in current Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjulmand, who recently took over from Erik ten Hag at the BayArena.
"Come on, he's only just arrived there," Hjulmand commented in an interview with Sport Bild. "Believe me, he'll prove himself to everyone. Even the experts in England. I'm sure of it. Show me the player who can perform at his best from day one in a new club and a new league. It's impossible. Florian is a fantastic footballer with outstanding qualities.
"We all know how fast-paced everything is in football: if he scores two great goals in the next two games, people will say: 'Now he's arrived'. That will be just as wrong as the recent criticism. Give him time, let him play – and everyone in Liverpool will see how good he is. I have no doubt that he will prove himself."
Those comments have been echoed by former Tottenham man Steffen Freund, who tipped Wirtz to become vital to the cause at Anfield once he is fully adjusted.
"From my experience, it takes at least six months to fully get used to the Premier League," the ex-Germany international told Bild. "For Florian, the move to Liverpool is the perfect step in my opinion, but also a huge one.
"If he stays fit, takes the right steps and the coach manages his workload well, gives him breaks if necessary, sometimes leaves him out, then I tell you: In 18 months, Florian Wirtz will be the best player at Liverpool and the whole world will want him.
"The Premier League is the best league in the world by far. The speed, the intensity, the individual quality. That surprises every player who comes there - even top players like Florian, that they did not immediately become an absolute game changer."
English (US) ·