Slot and Alonso Unite in Bold Assessment of Rising Star Florian Wirtz
Florian Wirtz has faced criticism for his sluggish beginning at Liverpool, though both Arne Slot and Xabi Alonso believe the midfielder just requires "time to adapt" to his new club and division.
The high-profile summer recruit, who moved to the reigning English champions in a transfer valued at up to €136.3 million (£116.1 million, $157.8 million), has found it difficult to justify his then-record British transfer price during his initial months wearing red.
Wirtz has recorded no goals and only three assists across 14 matches for Liverpool. The 22-year-old is also yet to register his first Premier League goal contribution.
With mounting criticism building, Slot defended his star signing before Liverpool's crucial encounter with Real Madrid on Tuesday night.
"I've mentioned this frequently, not as justification but simply the reality; often we must play three matches within seven days with merely two days' recovery between them. For a player arriving from a different division, which is an excellent league incidentally, nine out of 10 observers would acknowledge the Premier League is somewhat more demanding across all fixtures."
Despite their recent dip in form, Arne Slot has full confidence in his Liverpool players. pic.twitter.com/2I63Xu7Zf8
Wirtz dedicated his complete career to Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, where he contributed to guiding the club to its maiden league championship in 2023–24. The competitive standard in England's premier division presents a different challenge, however, one that Wirtz has not yet conquered.
"In my view, he delivered precisely what we anticipated, a player who generated numerous opportunities for the squad. He will score his goals but I don't believe it surprises anyone that when you're 22 or 23 and arrive in a different league that you may require time to adapt to that intensity when playing every three days," Slot explained.
Slot then made comparisons to the duration it took Ryan Gravenberch to "adapt to the intensity" of England's top division before becoming a crucial component of the Reds' 2024–25 Premier League championship-winning season.
Alonso: 'Special' Wirtz Just Needs Time
Alonso weighed in on Wirtz's disappointing displays and expressed only admiration for the player he helped nurture at Bayer Leverkusen.
"I have zero doubts. It's simply a question of time. It represents a significant transition for him to join Liverpool after numerous years in Germany, he's spent his entire life there.
"He is a truly exceptional player. He possesses talent and character and he's determined. This has occurred with outstanding players in the Premier League previously and I have no concerns about Flo.
"He is extremely special and likely one of the factors I'm here currently so I'm deeply thankful to Flo. Hopefully not [against Real Madrid] but I have no doubt he will demonstrate his ability and excellence," Alonso concluded.