Germany coach stands by Liverpool star despite early season dip

Florian Wirtz’s arrival at Liverpool was meant to mark the next great chapter in his career. 

After dazzling for Bayer Leverkusen and inspiring it to a historic Bundesliga title, the German playmaker was expected to take the Premier League by storm. Instead, his early months in Merseyside have been marked by frustration and growing scrutiny.

Nine games into his debut season, Wirtz is still searching for his first goal or assist. For a player who cost Liverpool around £100M ($133.2M), potentially rising to £116M ($154.6M) with add-ons, the pressure has inevitably intensified. Pundits have questioned whether his technical, tempo-setting style suits the Premier League’s physical demands, while some supporters have grown restless with his subdued influence in front of goal.

Julian Nagelsmann backs Florian Wirtz to succeed

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann, however, has moved to ease the criticism surrounding his star midfielder. Speaking amongst the national team’s fixtures this week, Nagelsmann defended Wirtz’s performances and highlighted the underlying data that paints a more positive picture.

"Even though he hasn’t scored yet, he’s still the player who creates the most chances in the Premier League," Nagelsmann told Sport 1, via beIN Sports. "It’s not his fault if his teammates don’t convert them.

"Florian needs to get used to the league. I’ve seen him play with total freedom, and he knows perfectly well what he can do. It hasn’t always been easy for him, and now he’ll have to work hard again."

That assertion is backed by the numbers. According to OptaJoe, Wirtz leads the Premier League with 21 chances created, more than any other player, and remains among the top performers in key passes and progressive carries.