10 hours ago
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Granit Xhaka has brushed aside concerns about Liverpool playmaker Florian Wirtz whilst offering a fascinating glimpse into the 22-year-old's character away from the pitch. Both the Switzerland captain and Wirtz savored glory together at Bayer Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso as they secured the Bundesliga title and German Cup double.
The Germany star has come under fire in recent weeks after his laboured introduction to Premier League football, which has coincided with the reigning champions' downturn. Since his move from Leverkusen, attention has turned to the attacking midfielder and his ability to replicate his outstanding performances in England's elite division.
After a run of three straight defeats - including two in the Premier League - Liverpool legends and prominent analysts scrutinised the Reds and pinpointed Wirtz as an issue, citing a lack of balance with his inclusion in the side.
Jamie Carragher and Wayne Rooney both spotted flaws in Arne Slot's setup but maintained that Wirtz would eventually flourish for the Reds once the pieces fell into place.
The ex-Arsenal midfielder Xhaka is convinced that Wirtz will shine in the Premier League.
"Flo Wirtz I had the joy to be with him for three years. A lot of English people will enjoy him, he was unbelievable, not just with the ball but the work off the ball," he told Sky Sports.
"I didn't see many number 10s on his level with or without the ball. To be his age, 20, 21, have this mentality, putting in work day-by-day before training, after training, being angry if he doesn't win a training session, this is Florian Wirtz.
"I know how much he can bring to the Premier League, hopefully not against us but the rest of the year I wish him the best because he deserves it."
Despite lukewarm reactions from the English media, footballing icons back in Germany have rushed to Wirtz's defence and remain bullish about his displays.
Rudi Voller spots encouraging signals from the talented German midfielder, even if his goal involvements haven't quite reached expectations yet.
"The big difference is: at Bayer Leverkusen, despite the individual quality of the other players, he was always looked for," Voller told Sky90.
"Players like Granit Xhaka, Alejandro Grimaldo or Robert Andrich certainly ran the game. But the moment Florian made himself available, he always got the ball. Even as a young lad, he was already the boss.
"I deliberately watched some Liverpool games with him: he does an incredible amount of work, runs a lot, makes many sprints, and also goes deep.
"But he isn't played to in the way he was used to at Leverkusen or with the national team. That's something that has to be developed over weeks and months.
"I know that he's not one of those divas in his position who stand around with their heads down if they're not passed to three times. Florian isn't like that.
"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.
"We're very happy that he is with us for ten days now. I am convinced he will deliver two wonderful international matches."
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