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Dietmar Hamann has told Florian Wirtz he needs to find a way to kick-start his season, and not use Liverpool’s current struggles as an excuse.
The German international is still trying to find his feet following his record-breaking move to Anfield from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer. Wirtz has just one assist from his 11 appearances for the Reds so far, and he has not made a goal contribution since the Community Shield in August.
Despite building a reputation as one of the world’s brightest prospects during his time in the Bundesliga, and the hefty fee Liverpool paid for him, Wirtz has actually found himself out of favor by Arne Slot in the Reds’ last two games, having been named on the bench against both Chelsea and Manchester United.
The 22-year-old was one of the more impressive performers during the second half against the latter, although doubts still remain over how Slot can get the best out of him in his team.
"Confidence is low for Florian Wirtz,” former Liverpool midfielder Hamann told ESports News UK.
“He's performed adequately for the national team without excelling. You hope that one goal or one assist can change everything, but it hasn't happened yet. He works hard when he starts, that's not why he was brought in.
"He needs to impact the game in the final third, which he hasn't done enough despite showing glimpses when coming on, but he needs that one unexpected moment – an assist or a goal – to get that monkey off his back.
"The longer it goes, the more people will talk and write about it, and his confidence will decline even further.”
Wirtz will hope he can find his spark as Liverpool faces Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League later today, with the Reds looking to avoid falling to a fifth consecutive defeat in all competitions.
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As Hamann points out, the pressure is growing on Wirtz, with Jamie Carragher having suggested recently he needs to find his form quickly if he is to prove he will be a success in the Premier League.
"People argue he needs time to adapt to a different style of football, but we’re a fifth of the way into the season, and something needs to happen,” Hamann added. “You can't keep saying, give him another game or three. It's time for him to perform.
"That said, the team are not controlling games as they did last year probably doesn't help him, but it shouldn't be an excuse. He's a good enough player to make things happen himself, and so far, he hasn't."
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