Florian Wirtz slow Liverpool start — German star rejects Klopp’s patience plea

Florian Wirtz slow Liverpool start has become one of the early talking points of the new Premier League season. Signed for £116 million after a dazzling campaign with Bayer Leverkusen, the German international was billed as Liverpool’s creative spark in the post-Klopp era. Yet despite the Reds’ flying start under Arne Slot, Wirtz has yet to register a goal or an assist in the Premier League.

Jurgen Klopp, who remains a vocal supporter from afar, urged patience and reminded fans of the adaptation curve required when arriving in England. But Wirtz has made it clear he does not want sympathy. In an interview with Sky Germany, he was adamant that while he accepts his slow return, he expects to turn form around himself rather than wait for time to do the work.

Liverpool’s blistering start — five wins from five in the league and progress in Europe — has masked Wirtz’s struggles to some degree. Yet with expectations sky-high and competition for attacking midfield roles fierce, questions are beginning to surface. Was £116 million too soon for a 22-year-old talent, or is it simply a matter of fine margins?

At Bayer Leverkusen last season, Wirtz operated as an advanced playmaker, notching 12 goals and 22 assists. At Anfield, however, Arne Slot has rotated him across attacking positions. He has started in central roles and been tried on the right, but the chemistry is still developing. Benched for the Merseyside derby, he only featured as a substitute in Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over Everton.

The question now is whether Slot adjusts his system to accommodate Wirtz in his most natural role, or if the player must adapt quickly to Liverpool’s collective machine. With Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai and Harvey Elliott all competing for attacking minutes, the margin for error is thin.

FootballPlace analyst John William believes patience and perspective are needed:

“Wirtz is a £116m signing in a new league and a new tactical system. He is clearly trying too hard to justify the fee immediately. Slot must help him settle in his best role — only then will Liverpool see the Leverkusen version who dominated Bundesliga defences.”

William added: “The danger is that if Wirtz keeps being shuffled around, he won’t build rhythm. Liverpool don’t need him to score every week, but they do need him to link play and create space. Once that clicks, the stats will follow.”

Liverpool host Southampton in the Carabao Cup on 24 September, offering Wirtz a golden chance to silence critics. With rotation expected, he should get a starting berth to showcase his creativity and stake his claim.

Beyond that, a crunch league fixture against Crystal Palace on 27 September looms. Slot will need to decide whether to persist with easing Wirtz in or gamble on unleashing him in high-stakes matches. One way or another, the German star’s adaptation will define Liverpool’s attacking depth this season.

👉 Do you think Florian Wirtz will silence his doubters this month, or is his £116m move already under pressure?