Peter Crouch shares Florian Wirtz theory on why Liverpool star was 'held back' after transfer

Florian Wirtz had a difficult start to life at Liverpool following his big-money move from Bayer Leverkusen, but the playmaker seems to have found his feet at Anfield

Florian Wirtz's start to life at Liverpool wasn't easy (Image: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Peter Crouch believes Florian Wirtz's confidence at the beginning of his Liverpool career was dented because of the pressure of his hefty price tag.

The German cost the reigning Premier League champions $136 million (£100million) last summer in what was one of the biggest transfers in English football history. Despite the fanfare upon his arrival, the 22-year-old struggled greatly in his first few months at Anfield.

Wirtz failed to score a goal in his first 22 games across all competitions at Liverpool, with some worrying whether the Germany international would just not be able to transfer his style from the Bundesliga to the rigours of English football.

However, his first goal for the club came in a 2-1 win over Wolves in December and he's since found consistency with seven goals and assists coming since then.

Alongside his improved form, he's found a fruitful relationship with Hugo Ekitike - who cost the Reds an initial $93 million (£69M) - with the attacking pair combining for six goals in all competitions.

Speaking exclusively to Paddy Power, ex-Liverpool star Crouch discussed the pair's burgeoning relationship and claimed Wirtz's early struggles was related to his three-digit transfer fee.

Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike have combined for six goals across all competitions(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

"They looked like a real combination against Newcastle, it was a real statement," the former England striker said. "I think Stevie [Gerrard] said he reminded him of [Fernando] Torres.

"I played with Torres and the goals he used to score where he would slow down and just put on the gas and finished it was top, top level.

"Florian Wirtz as well has got a load of confidence now, and he’s looking like a top player. For me, it was just the kind of price tag that was holding him back. If he’d have come through the youth team, everyone would be like ‘He’s an unbelievable player’.

"But the fact that he’s cost over £100 million you think he has to score goals and make assists straight away otherwise he gets criticised. It’s taken a little bit of time with his performances but there’s no doubt he’s a phenomenal player.

Arne Slot said the German has improved his physicality since his Anfield arrival(Image: AFP or licensors)

"With a player like Wirtz, if you haven’t got the confidence to do what you do best, then you’ll struggle like he did at the start of the season. There’s no denying he did struggle, but now he’s coming into his own."

Arne Slot opened up about Wirtz's adaptation to life in the Premier League, praising the German for the physical work he's done to improve his on-pitch fortunes. "First and foremost, credit to the player because he has to do the work," the Dutchman said.

"Not only on the pitch but also in the gym. Then as a manager, even if he is struggling a little bit at the start, you have to keep playing him because that is the only way he can improve. He is an example of that."