Ilkay Gundogan believes calling Florian Wirtz “a transfer flop” is “completely exaggerated” after his start to life in the Premier League with Liverpool.
Following his £116m (€133m) move from Bayer Leverkusen, Wirtz is yet to register a direct goal involvement for the Reds in the Premier League and Champions League.
The 22-year-old’s only goal for club or country this season came in Germany’s 3-1 win against Northern Ireland in September, while his only assist was in Liverpool's Community Shield loss against Crystal Palace.
However, his assist tally does not reflect his impact on Arne Slot’s side. After the first six matchdays in the Premier League, no player from the English top-flight had created more chances in all competitions than Wirtz.
And Gundogan, who played alongside Wirtz for Germany at Euro 2024, has no doubt that the midfielder will soon produce the goods for Liverpool.
“With the high transfer fee for Flo, it was somehow clear that things could get very loud very quickly in England – unfortunately, that's the way the business works these days,” Gundogan told Bild.
“It's not Flo's fault that he cost so much. Nevertheless, it's understandable that people expect a lot from him.
“I would like to see a bit more in-depth analysis here – and not just focus on the bare assists and goals.
“Anyone who doesn't see Flo's outstanding quality really doesn't understand much about football. To call it a transfer flop already is completely exaggerated."
Wirtz, who was an integral part of Leverkusen's 2023-24 Bundesliga-winning side, registered 79 goal contributions (35 goals and 44 assists) in 140 top flight appearances in Germany.
“I'm sure the goals and assists will come very soon – if not in October, then from November onwards. No player or person in this world can completely block out so much noise; it always takes its toll on you.
“Nevertheless, I believe Flo, as a human being, and given his immense talent, will get through this phase. That would also be extremely important for the German national team. Personally, I don't have many doubts and see it as just a matter of time.”
kaoabilmtu
0
Just becoz he doesnt score a single goal and the said he is a flop? nonsense..he always give pressure to opponents and starts the attacking movement
desbcety
0
Liverpool as a team haven't preformed well so far, courtesy of coach selection and wrong substitutions. so u can't single any player now as a failure.
Msiwela
0
glorified flop
Footballislife0811
1
Seriously???#Slot just won the league in his 1st year at Liverpool🤔and new players always have to adapt to the league and most important his teammates#chemistry.
That league came about when every top epl team was down if u check second half of the season Liverpool hardly win and sallah dropped completely klop had 90plus point on 4 to 5 occasions and win nothing slot can’t even get to 80point bro 😎 He needs to think and bring his own idea klopp football is gone already.
Sikeknosuz
0
Thanks a lot Gundogan
Charlesugwu
2
Wirtz isn't a flop yet. He is probably trying to settle down with the culture and the rest. He will come good even though I want him to fa.il
musuarez7
2
wirtz is a big talent everyone knows
OneLove⚽️
0
It's way too early to say he's a flop
Rodaelnt
0
Liverpool also robbed Barcelona in 2018 for courtinho
OneLove⚽️
0
Coach is the problem
Seriously???#Slot just won the league in his 1st year at Liverpool🤔and new players always have to adapt to the league and most important his teammates#chemistry.
Evergreeno
0
Coach isn't Liverpool's problem.
Coach is the problem
Jabacnostu
1
Wirtz is a talent no doubt, but any talent can fail..what is the rush? Only time will tell...
JorgeJamaika
0
Yes he is a good player no Liverpool player is yet show the impact accept Eketike the main problem is the Coach he don't have crue yet
Coach isn't Liverpool's problem.
Kekinpsy
3
Yes he is a good player no Liverpool player is yet show the impact accept Eketike the main problem is the Coach he don't have crue yet