2 weeks ago
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Liverpool has received a surprising Florian Wirtz to Real Madrid January transfer assessment following a difficult opening few months at Anfield.
The summer acquisition has yet to register a direct goal contribution for his new side in the Premier League since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen. The 22-year-old has still shown promise in spells, but his decision-making in the final third has so far proved his downfall.
With merely eight weeks of the new campaign having passed thus far, there remains ample time for Wirtz's circumstances to alter. Nevertheless, Emmanuel Petit has put forward a rather bold proposition that he could secure a temporary switch in just a few months that would see him reunited with former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.
"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," the former Arsenal and Chelsea player said, speaking to Boyle Sports.
"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."
Considering his absence of instant impact in front of goal and substantial price tag, Wirtz is beginning to be characterised by some as a disappointment, with Petit offering his views on where his performance needs to develop in order to escape that designation.
"To be honest, I have no idea right now [if he will be a flop] because the way Leverkusen and Liverpool play is not the same. He needs to adapt," he said.
"La Liga is not as fast as the Premier League. The Premier League is very quick, you have no time to think with the ball, so you need to play very quickly. You also need to be able to respond physically, as opponents will challenge you constantly.
"In La Liga, it's more technical. You have more time to play and show your skills and ability, which could be better for him.
"I wonder if [Bayern Munich chief] Karl-Heinz Rummenigge was telling the truth recently when he said that Bayern Munich wanted to sign Wirtz, but he decided to join Liverpool.
"Changing countries and styles of football was not the easiest path. It might have been better for him to sign for Bayern Munich, given how they've handled their best players for years. We'll see, maybe I'm wrong.
"Based on his quality, he has great potential. He's still young, around 22, so he needs to learn.
"But with that price tag at 22, he's done very good things with both Leverkusen and the national team. Is it enough to take the next step with Liverpool? I don't know."
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