View ImageFlorian Wirtz has been told how he can improve with Liverpool also sent a shock transfer verdict(Image: (Photo by Raddad Jebarah/Shutterstock))
Liverpool have been warned that £116million summer signing Florian Wirtz is being eyed for a surprising loan move to Real Madrid in January after a challenging start at Anfield. The 22-year-old, who joined from Bayer Leverkusen, is yet to pick up a direct goal contribution for his new club.
Despite showing promise in parts, his decision-making in the final third has been lacking. However, with only eight weeks of the new season gone, there’s ample time for his fortunes to turn around.
Emmanuel Petit, however, has made an audacious suggestion that he could be on the move again soon, reuniting with Xabi Alonso. “I heard that Xabi Alonso wants Real Madrid to keep an eye on Florian Wirtz ahead of a possible loan in January, that’s how much he respects him as a player,” the ex-Arsenal and Chelsea star told Boyle Sports.
“Alonso knows his quality, many players in Germany have also defended him. Wirtz recently stated in the press that he isn’t panicking. He knows his quality and believes that sooner or later, it will show on the pitch. I hope for his sake it does, because if it doesn’t, it will be very difficult for him to cope with the pressure and criticism.”
With his lack of immediate impact and hefty price tag, some are already labelling Wirtz a flop. Petit shared his thoughts on where the young player needs to improve to avoid this label.
“To be honest, I have no idea right now [if he will be a flop] because the way Leverkusen and Liverpool play is not the same. He needs to adapt,” he said.
“La Liga is not as fast as the Premier League. The Premier League is very quick, you have no time to think with the ball, so you need to play very quickly. You also need to be able to respond physically, as opponents will challenge you constantly.
“In La Liga, it’s more technical. You have more time to play and show your skills and ability, which could be better for him.
“I wonder if [Bayern Munich chief] Karl-Heinz Rummenigge was telling the truth recently when he said that Bayern Munich wanted to sign Wirtz, but he decided to join Liverpool.
“Changing countries and styles of football was not the easiest path. It might have been better for him to sign for Bayern Munich, given how they’ve handled their best players for years. We’ll see, maybe I’m wrong.
“Based on his quality, he has great potential. He’s still young, around 22, so he needs to learn. But with that price tag at 22, he’s done very good things with both Leverkusen and the national team. Is it enough to take the next step with Liverpool? I don’t know.”