Florian Wirtz Backed by Arne Slot and Virgil van Dijk Following £116M Liverpool Transfer Without Goals or Assists
Florian Wirtz, Liverpool’s recent signing from Bayer Leverkusen for £116 million, has yet to make an impact on the pitch. The 22-year-old midfielder has gone without a goal or an assist after seven Premier League matches and two Champions League appearances this season. Liverpool’s head coach Arne Slot and team captain Virgil van Dijk have expressed their support for Wirtz during this challenging adjustment period.
Defending Wirtz’s Performance
Arne Slot emphasized that Wirtz’s slow start is not a reflection of his potential. Speaking to Sky Sports, he pointed out the numerous chances Wirtz has created for teammates. Slot noted, “He could be on six or seven assists already.” He cited a specific example from the match against Chelsea, where a flick to Mohamed Salah almost resulted in a goal.
Unlucky Breaks
Despite his contributions, the finishing from his teammates has not always matched Wirtz’s playmaking skills. Slot commented on the luck factor in football, highlighting how Salah hit the post after a brilliant assist from Wirtz earlier this season. He insisted that adjustment to the Premier League, especially for a young player, is crucial.
Learning from the Best
Comparing Wirtz to former Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne, Slot suggested that great talents often take time to adapt. “Give him a bit of time,” he advised, stressing that the club is committed to nurturing Wirtz’s development despite early setbacks.
Importance of Supporting New Players
Virgil van Dijk also weighed in on the importance of providing support for new players. He underscored the need for a welcoming environment and a settled personal life to help players like Wirtz thrive. He stated, “It’s absolutely normal” for players to need time to acclimate to their new surroundings and colleagues.
Looking Ahead
As Liverpool prepares for a high-stakes match against Manchester United, both Slot and van Dijk are hopeful. Van Dijk emphasized the team’s collective improvement and emphasized not to focus solely on Wirtz. With upcoming matches, they believe every training session is a chance to gel better together.
- Player: Florian Wirtz
- Transfer Fee: £116 million
- Appearances: 7 Premier League, 2 Champions League
- Coach: Arne Slot
- Captain: Virgil van Dijk
- Next Match: Liverpool vs. Manchester United, Sunday, 19th October at 4:30 PM
Fans remain hopeful that Florian Wirtz will soon find his form and contribute to Liverpool’s success as the season progresses.
