Florian Wirtz’s move to England was met with enormous excitement. The young German star arrived with a reputation as one of Europe’s most gifted attacking midfielders, a player capable of unlocking any defence with a single pass. His transfer briefly set a record for being the most expensive British transfer in history, which only added to the sense of expectation surrounding him.
Yet, several months into his Premier League journey, many fans and pundits are starting to wonder whether the hype was premature. Despite flashes of brilliance, Wirtz has struggled to make the same kind of impact he had at Bayer Leverkusen, and his adaptation to the physical, fast-paced nature of English football has proven more difficult than expected.
The Weight of Expectation
When Dominik Szoboszlai arrived at Liverpool from RB Leipzig, there was excitement but not quite the same fanfare. Yet the Hungarian midfielder hit the ground running from day one. His tireless work rate, aggression off the ball, and technical excellence made him an instant favourite under both Jürgen Klopp and now Arne Slot as well. In contrast, Wirtz’s start has been more subdued. He has shown glimpses of his class, but he often looks like a player still adjusting to the tempo and physicality of his new surroundings.
Liverpool’s recent string of disappointing results has now left them at 13/2 odds of retaining the title at many new UK bookmakers, while Arsenal have rocketed to 4/9 odds and currently sit seven points clear at the top of the table. Yet even during this rough patch, Szoboszlai continues to impress, standing out as one of the few bright sparks in Liverpool’s midfield. His quick adaptation contrasts sharply with Wirtz’s ongoing struggle to find rhythm and confidence in his new environment.
Adaptation and Playing Styles
The contrast between the two players may come down to style and system. Both came from the Bundesliga, but their previous clubs demanded very different things from them. Szoboszlai played in high-pressing, fast-transition teams like RB Leipzig who have become known for their spunk. That likely prepared him better for the energy and intensity of the Premier League. Wirtz, on the other hand, flourished under Xabi Alonso’s possession-based, patient approach at Bayer Leverkusen. The Premier League offers him less time and space, and defenders are quicker to close him down, forcing him into areas of discomfort.
Finding His Footing
Despite a slow start, it would be unfair to label Wirtz a disappointment. Many world-class players have taken time to settle in England. Even legends such as Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne needed an adjustment period before reaching their peak. Wirtz’s intelligence, vision, and close control remain exceptional, and with patience, he could evolve into a Premier League star. Adaptation is rarely instant, and the pressure that comes with a record-breaking fee can weigh heavily on any young talent.
For now, Szoboszlai represents the model of seamless transition from the Bundesliga to the Premier League. Wirtz, meanwhile, must learn to cope with the demands of a new country, a different tactical style, and the expectations of fans hungry for success. If he manages to blend his creative flair with the physical and mental edge required in English football, he still has every chance to shine just as brightly as his Hungarian counterpart.
