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Florian Wirtz has started to quieten his detractors with his performances in the last two matches. The summer recruit has arguably been Liverpool's standout player during this period.
Wirtz was outstanding as Liverpool clinched a 2-0 victory against West Ham United in the Premier League on Sunday. His run and shot, which ricocheted off Nordi Mukiele, salvaged a point for the Reds in their 1-1 draw at home to Sunderland on Wednesday.
Despite his effort being recorded as an own goal, Wirtz is still awaiting his first Premier League goal since his high-profile transfer from Bayer Leverkusen. The 22-year-old is yet to register an assist in the English top tier, although he does have two in the Champions League.
However, one of his Die Mannschaft colleagues has hit back at those questioning Wirtz. Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade, unlike his German teammate, has made an impressive start in the Premier League following his summer move from Stuttgart.
The forward has netted five goals in his first 11 league appearances and he is confident that Wirtz will find his form.
In an interview with Stern, Woltemade confirmed he had spoken to the Liverpool player, saying: "We spoke briefly about it when we met up with the national team.
"I find this debate surrounding Flo absurd. It's a pseudo-discussion. Anyone who understands anything about football can see what incredible abilities he has. Flo will make his way, even in the Premier League."
Another Germany international endorsing the playmaker is Leeds United's Lukas Nmecha, who like Wirtz and Woltemade, made the switch to the Premier League in the summer.
Former Manchester City academy product Nmecha, who joined the newly promoted Whites on a free transfer from Wolfsburg, told Sky Sport: "I think a lot of people thought that after this transfer they might even win the league after last season, but it just shows the strength of the league.
"Players have to fit in with the teams. Adapting is always a challenge. We all know, for example, how good Flo is. He just needs a little time to adapt.
"I think that's completely normal. But we're (Leeds) also new to the league; we all have to adapt. Sometimes that takes a few games, and I think we're slowly getting there. And hopefully, the points will follow.
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"Every now and then, I send a message (to Wirtz), but he's a good guy. I also have a few friends, Jeremie (Frimpong) in Liverpool, with whom I was at City. I asked him how he was doing and all that, but yeah, I think that's just the league.
"It's very different from German football. But he definitely has the quality. You can see that. Even when he plays for the national team. That kind of thing will work in any league."
Nmecha was a member of the Leeds team that prepared for their home match against Wirtz and Liverpool on Saturday with a surprising 3-1 victory over Chelsea, who are currently in top form, at Elland Road on Wednesday.
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