Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz has endured a difficult opening chapter at Anfield, but he has now received high-profile backing from two German football legends. Speaking in Dortmund during his induction into the German Football Hall of Fame, Bastian Schweinsteiger urged fans and media to be patient with the €125m signing, insisting that Germany should feel “grateful” to have a player of his calibre.
The 22-year-old joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer after a hotly contested race involving Bayern Munich and Manchester City. The move was supposed to signal the start of a new era for the Reds, with Wirtz viewed as one of Europe’s outstanding young talents. Instead, his start in England has been underwhelming, with just one assist in 10 games — that lone contribution coming in the Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace back in August.
The lack of output has prompted criticism from pundits and frustration from supporters, particularly after head coach Arne Slot dropped him for last week’s loss to Chelsea. With pressure already mounting, Schweinsteiger and Phillip Lahm have spoken out to defend the playmaker, urging patience and perspective.
Schweinsteiger: “We should be happy we have him”
Schweinsteiger, inducted into the Hall of Fame at the German Football Museum in Dortmund, was unequivocal in his support of Wirtz:
“We should be happy that we have such a player in Germany. We have to give the player a bit of time. He is a fantastic footballer and a great character. He will certainly delight us all in the future.” — Bastian Schweinsteiger
His sentiments were echoed by Phillip Lahm, who added:
“I’m not worried about Florian Wirtz at all. Quality and class always prevail. And that will absolutely be the case with Florian Wirtz.” — Phillip Lahm
Wirtz’s Liverpool struggles so far
The numbers tell their own story.
| Stat (2025/26) | Florian Wirtz |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 10 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Pass Accuracy | –% |
source: sofascore match data – 6 October 2025
While the statistics highlight his slow adaptation, context matters. Wirtz has been adjusting to a new league, a new tactical system under Slot, and the intense scrutiny that comes with such a huge transfer fee.
Analyst verdict: Patience is essential
FootballPlace analyst John William believes the criticism of Wirtz is premature:
“Big-money transfers often come with unrealistic expectations. Wirtz was never going to replicate his Bundesliga numbers instantly in the Premier League. What Schweinsteiger and Lahm are pointing out is vital — his talent is not in question. Liverpool fans should see this as a long-term investment.”
Key insights
- Florian Wirtz joined Liverpool for €125m from Bayer Leverkusen this summer.
- He has recorded 1 assist in 10 games so far (Community Shield vs Crystal Palace).
- Arne Slot dropped him for the Chelsea defeat last week.
- Bastian Schweinsteiger urged patience, saying Germany should be “grateful.”
- Phillip Lahm insisted Wirtz’s “quality and class” will prevail.
What’s next for Wirtz and Liverpool?
Wirtz will be hoping to regain his place in Arne Slot’s XI after the international break. With Liverpool facing a demanding schedule in the Premier League and Champions League, opportunities for the playmaker to rediscover form will come quickly.
For Germany, Schweinsteiger’s Hall of Fame induction provided the platform to remind critics of Wirtz’s potential. If he can find confidence again at Anfield, the national team will also reap the rewards.
👉 Do you think Florian Wirtz will come good at Liverpool — or has the Premier League already exposed him?
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