2 weeks ago
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Florian Wirtz has struggled to find his feet at Liverpool and endured another inconsistent spell while away on international duty with Germany.
Arne Slot's players take on Ruben Amorim's Manchester United at Anfield this Sunday, with Wirtz keen to demonstrate his true abilities. The 22-year-old joined from Bayer Leverkusen in June, carrying significant expectations. Following some reasonable preseason displays, Wirtz registered an assist during Liverpool's Community Shield defeat, though matters have deteriorated since that point.
He remains without a goal contribution in the Premier League and faces ongoing criticism for disappointing performances. We examine how Wirtz performed both on and off the field during the international break, including speculation surrounding his future and a frosty welcome from supporters.
Real Madrid speculation
Wirtz has worn Liverpool colors for fewer than four months. But due to several lacklustre displays, his name has become associated with a potential loan departure from Anfield.
Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit revealed to 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 unite
Despite some criticism surrounding Wirtz and his displays, three German soccer icons are convinced he'll prove his worth on Merseyside. German national team director 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."
Ex-Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger shared similar sentiments when speaking at his German Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony 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."
Wirtz jeered
Not everyone has been so welcoming to Wirtz following his move to Liverpool, as he discovered on Monday when Germany took on Northern Ireland. He featured for nearly the entire 1-0 World Cup qualifying victory but failed to win over the home crowd.
Following defender Dan Ballard's disallowed goal by the Video Assistant Referee within the opening quarter-hour, the supporters' frustration mounted, and Nick Woltemade's first-half strike did little to calm their irritation.
Wirtz then experienced the fans' displeasure during the second period when he collapsed in the penalty box. Northern Irish spectators were incensed by what they perceived as simulation, with no spot-kick being given.
The 22-year-old was subsequently heckled whenever he touched the ball. Jeers echoed around the ground moments later when he again hit the deck just beyond the area.
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