Wirtz Faces Early Scrutiny as Lescott Questions Liverpool’s Record Signing
Liverpool’s £116 million summer acquisition Florian Wirtz is already under the microscope, with former Man City and Everton defender Joleon Lescott suggesting the club might take a refund on the German midfielder if offered. The 22-year-old, who arrived from Bayer Leverkusen with lofty expectations, has endured a quiet start to life in the Premier League.
Wirtz Yet to Find His Feet at Anfield
Wirtz’s early promise during the Community Shield gave Liverpool supporters hope that they had secured one of Europe’s brightest young talents. Yet, as the Premier League campaign gathers pace, the attacking midfielder has struggled to translate that flair into consistent end product. He remains without a goal or assist, and questions over his adaptation to English football are beginning to mount.
Lescott, speaking on Sky Bet’s In The Mixer, didn’t hold back when assessing Wirtz’s performances so far. “I’m not convinced,” he admitted. “If Liverpool could get their money back at the end of the season, they would do it. You expect an attacking player of that calibre to change games – especially in moments when the team needs a spark.”
The former England international referenced the goalless draw against Burnley as a missed opportunity for Wirtz to make an impression. “If you’re that creative player and we need a goal, you shouldn’t be the one coming off. You should be the one creating the moment that turns the game,” he added.
Patience and Perspective Needed
Despite the criticism, Wirtz’s underlying numbers tell a more nuanced story. The German playmaker has been among Liverpool’s most active creators, registering a steady flow of chances per match even if the final touch has been lacking. His positional intelligence and technical ability are evident, but adapting to the intensity and physicality of the Premier League often takes time – especially for players arriving from the Bundesliga.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has so far maintained his trust in the young star, keeping him a regular in the starting line-up. Slot’s faith mirrors the sentiment of another familiar voice – former Reds boss Jurgen Klopp. Speaking in defence of his compatriot, Klopp urged for calm, reminding fans of the inevitable teething period that comes with a move of this magnitude.
“I don’t have to worry about Florian Wirtz because his quality is so outstanding,” Klopp said. “This discussion is being blown out of proportion. Liverpool are going through a tough spell, and it’s normal for the focus to turn on new players. But he has a great environment at Liverpool, and everything will be fine.”
Investment in Potential
Liverpool’s hierarchy, led by sporting director Richard Hughes, sanctioned Wirtz’s record-breaking move as a long-term investment. The club’s analytics team had tracked his development for years, identifying his creativity and technical skill as ideal fits for Slot’s tactical blueprint. The lack of early goals or assists, while disappointing, isn’t uncommon for creative players transitioning to a new system.
What’s more, the midfielder’s temperament and work ethic have been praised behind the scenes. His integration into a changing Liverpool side – one in transition after several key departures – has been steady if unspectacular.
Still, Lescott’s comments echo a wider sentiment among fans who expect immediate impact from marquee signings. In modern football, patience is often scarce, and £116 million transfers attract scrutiny with every underwhelming performance.
What Comes Next
Wirtz’s upcoming fixtures could prove pivotal in shaping perceptions of his early months on Merseyside. A strong showing in Liverpool’s next few matches could silence critics and justify the club’s long-term belief in his abilities.
As Klopp noted, “He has a stable environment, and Liverpool is a great club in moments like these. If anyone’s worried, they don’t have to be. Everything will be fine.”
For now, the discussion around Wirtz, Lescott’s refund remark, and Liverpool’s record investment serves as a reminder of football’s unforgiving spotlight. The potential remains clear – it’s simply a matter of when, not if, the German begins to shine.
