Liverpool Backing Florian Wirtz After Granit Xhaka’s Bold Claim

Liverpool’s midfield has been the heartbeat of their dominance since lifting the Premier League title under Arne Slot in 2024. The Dutchman inherited a balanced trio in Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, then reshaped it with intent. This summer brought a fresh layer of creativity with the £116 million signing of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, a move that underlined Liverpool’s unrelenting ambition.

Early performances have been closely scrutinised. Wirtz has shown flashes rather than full control, navigating the familiar baptism of fire that the Premier League demands of continental newcomers. Yet within Liverpool’s structure, signs of acclimatisation are evident. His movement between the lines, willingness to receive under pressure and instinctive passing all hint at what is to come.

Granit Xhaka Delivers Public Backing

Former teammate Granit Xhaka is in no doubt about Wirtz’s ceiling. Asked by Sky Sports to rank Bruno Fernandes, Cole Palmer and Wirtz in midfield roles, he placed Fernandes first for longevity, but backed the Liverpool man over Palmer.

He said: “Yeah, between Palmer and Flo Wirtz, let’s say with Flo Wirtz, I had the joy to be with him for three years. You will, a lot of English people will enjoy him because he’s unbelievable, not just with the ball, but the work without the ball. I didn’t see many No. 10s on his level without the ball and with the ball.

“To be in this age 20-21 to have this mentality, the work to put (in) day by day, before the training and after the training, to be angry if you don’t win a training session, this is Florian Wirtz. I saw him for two, and I have a lot of respect for Palmer as well, but because I was with Wirtz for two years and I know how much he can bring to the Premier League.

“Hopefully not against us, Sunderland, but the rest of the year I wish him just the best because he deserves that.”

Support like that carries weight. Xhaka understands both the Bundesliga environment that shaped Wirtz and the intensity awaiting him in England.

Perfect Opportunity Against Manchester United

Criticism from pundits and rival supporters has focused on one fact, his lack of goal contributions. Slot will be unconcerned. Liverpool’s approach hinges on structure, timing and cohesion, not instant numbers. If there is a match primed for a breakthrough performance, it is the upcoming clash with Manchester United. Their defensive inconsistency leaves space between midfield and defence, a zone Wirtz naturally exploits.

Liverpool Betting On Long-Term Gain

This is not a short-term gamble from Liverpool, it is a statement of belief in a 22-year-old with elite mentality. Slot has already shown he trusts technical intelligence over raw power. Wirtz embodies that philosophy.

With Granit Xhaka providing public validation and Manchester United offering the ideal platform, the stage is set. Liverpool have invested heavily in Florian Wirtz, and all signs suggest the return is a matter of when, not if.