Florian Wirtz admits that at Liverpool he does not yet play as prominent a role as he did in the recent past at Bayer Leverkusen. The star signing of The Reds has spoken with manager Arne Slot about the areas in which he can make progress.
Florian Wirtz is still adjusting to life at Liverpool after his blockbuster €125 million transfer from Bayer Leverkusen this summer, and the German playmaker admits he has yet to reach the influence he once enjoyed in the Bundesliga.
With only one assist in his first seven appearances for the Reds, expectations surrounding him remain high, but Wirtz is determined to prove his worth under manager Arne Slot.
The 21-year-old arrived at Anfield with a reputation as one of Europe’s most technically gifted midfielders, having been a central figure in Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen side that went unbeaten domestically and clinched the Bundesliga title last season. His creativity, dribbling ability, and eye for a final pass made him one of the most sought-after young talents in Europe, which explains why Liverpool were willing to shatter their transfer record to bring him in. However, adapting to a new league, new teammates, and the intensity of English football has proven to be a challenge in the opening weeks.
Against Everton in the Merseyside derby, Wirtz found himself on the bench for the first time since his move, a decision Slot made to rotate his squad and perhaps to shield the youngster from the physicality and pressure of such a high-stakes clash. For Wirtz, the situation is not alarming, but it serves as a reminder that big-money transfers come with an immediate spotlight. Speaking to Sky Sport Deutschland, he acknowledged the scrutiny.
“It is what it is,” Wirtz said. “Nobody is used to Liverpool spending that much money. The manager told me that you shouldn’t put extra pressure on yourself because of a transfer fee, because many players in this squad could generate the same amount if they were to leave.”
Slot has been working closely with Wirtz on how he can assert himself more decisively in the Premier League. The German admits that some habits from his time in Germany are not yet translating as effectively in England. “Yes, it could be that I am still passing the ball too quickly,” Wirtz explained. “Maybe I’m not yet getting into the situations I normally find myself in, where I speed up the game with a dribble or a pass. The manager said it could be because we press a lot and I run a lot. In the running statistics, I’m at the top because I keep pushing and doing what the coach asks, but that takes a lot of strength and energy. When I have the ball, maybe I’m just lacking a bit.”
The pressing style introduced by Slot demands relentless energy from every player, and Wirtz has quickly become one of the hardest runners in the team. Yet, that constant workload has perhaps limited his ability to conserve energy for moments of flair and invention in the final third. It’s a delicate balance, and one that both player and coach are trying to refine.
Still, Wirtz remains optimistic about his trajectory. “It’s getting better step by step, the more matches I play and the fitter I get,” he said. The midfielder also pointed out that adaptation takes time, even for the most talented of players. “That’s hard to say,” he added when asked when he will fully hit top form. “I’d also like to know myself, but sometimes it just takes a while before you really find your rhythm, settle in, and have everything under control, and I’m allowing myself that time too. I just hope that at some point I will really feel comfortable, at home, and ready.”
For Liverpool supporters, patience may be key. History has shown that some high-profile signings take months, or even a full season, before showcasing their best. Players like Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané hit the ground running at Anfield, but others, such as Fabinho, needed a period of adjustment before becoming indispensable. Wirtz seems to fall into the latter category.
What remains unquestioned is his talent. Even in flashes, he has demonstrated his sharp vision and ability to thread passes through compact defenses. His awareness of space and willingness to take responsibility on the ball are signs of a player destined to make an impact once fully acclimated. For Slot, integrating Wirtz successfully could be the key to unlocking Liverpool’s attack in the long term, particularly as the team transitions from the Jürgen Klopp era into a new phase of development.
The German international is also aware of the legacy he is stepping into. At just 21, he is expected not only to perform now but to become a cornerstone of Liverpool’s midfield for years to come. That kind of responsibility could overwhelm some, but Wirtz seems grounded. His calm acknowledgment of the challenges and his readiness to work on specific aspects of his game show maturity beyond his years.
For now, Liverpool fans may have to endure the growing pains of their new record signing. But if Wirtz’s words and Slot’s trust are any indication, it is only a matter of time before the Anfield faithful see the full version of the player who lit up the Bundesliga. And when that moment comes, the €125 million fee may no longer be seen as a burden, but as an investment that reshaped the club’s future.
