Florian Wirtz: A Work in Progress at Liverpool

Florian Wirtz, the young German midfielder, has been a hot topic since joining Liverpool. At just 22, he's still finding his feet in the Premier League. Some people, like Jamie Carragher, have been quick to judge him. But not everyone agrees with the criticism. Kasper Hjulmand, Wirtz's former coach at Bayer Leverkusen, has come to his defense. He says it's too early to judge Wirtz. Adapting to a new league and team takes time. Hjulmand believes Wirtz will show everyone what he's made of. He points out that no player can perform at their best right from the start in a new environment. Hjulmand isn't alone in defending Wirtz. His Germany teammate, David Raum, has also praised his work ethic. He says Wirtz stays late on the training pitch, working hard to adapt to his new surroundings. Wirtz joined Liverpool after a successful spell in Germany. He helped Leverkusen win the 2024 title. Now, he's part of a new-look Liverpool team under Arne Slot. Other new signings like Alexander Isak and Milos Kerkez are also adjusting. It's clear that Liverpool is going through a transition phase. Hjulmand's comments remind us that adapting to the Premier League takes time. Even the best players in Europe need time to settle in. If Wirtz can turn his hard work into goals and assists, the narrative around him will change. It's not just about talent; it's about giving players the time to grow and develop.