Record-signing yet to register a goal or assist in Premier League but manager praises his influence
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has called for patience amid Florian Wirtz’s slow start to life in England, saying the £116m signing has been “unlucky” not to have more to show for his performances so far.
The 22-year-old midfielder arrived at Anfield in June from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal that made him the most expensive signing in Premier League and Liverpool’s history at the time.
Wirtz built his reputation as one of Europe’s most creative young players in the Bundesliga, but he has yet to score or assist in his first seven Premier League appearances.
Slot said that Wirtz’s situation was similar to that of Premier League legend Kevin de Bruyne.
“Maybe I’m now underestimating the best midfielder who has ever played in the Premier League, Kevin De Bruyne – he was 21 or 22 when he went to Chelsea,” said Slot.
“Give [Wirtz] a bit of time, I would say. I’m definitely going to give him a bit of time and in the meantime, he’s been unlucky.”
Slot also insisted that the numbers do not tell the full story and that the record-signing has been much more impactful.
“If you’ve been brought in for so much money, people look mainly at goals and assists, but I can tell you he could be on six or seven assists already,” said Slot.
“He’s been a bit unlucky with the finishing when he’s given his teammates chances but, in general for a 22-year-old, it’s quite normal that you have to adjust to going to another country let alone going to the Premier League.”
