Liverpool head coach Arne Slot and captain Virgil van Dijk have defended £116m signing Florian Wirtz’s slow start to the season, insisting he has been unlucky and needs time to adjust.
Wirtz joined in the summer as part of Liverpool's record £446m transfer window but has yet to record a goal or an assist in seven Premier League appearances and two Champions League ties.
Ahead of facing Manchester United on Super Sunday, Slot told Sky Sports: "If you've been brought in for so much money, people look mainly at goals and assists, but I can tell you he could be on six or seven assists already.
"If you look at the passes he's played to his team-mates which unfortunately didn't lead to goals, one of the greatest examples is the Chelsea game where after one minute [since coming on] he had this great flick to Mo Salah.
"For Mo, this is 99 times out of 100 a goal. I have to say 98 out of 100 because the last time he got a ball like this was against Atletico Madrid from Florian Wirtz, but Mo hit the post.
"He's been a bit unlucky with the finishing when he's given his team-mates chances but, in general for a 22-year-old, it's quite normal that you have to adjust to going to another country let alone going to the Premier League."
Slot compared Wirtz' slow start to former Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne.
"Maybe I'm now underestimating the best midfielder who has ever played in the Premier League, Kevin De Bruyne, he was 21 or 22 when he went to Chelsea," he said. "Give him a bit of time, I would say. I'm definitely going to give him a bit of time and in the meantime, he's been unlucky.
"He has to play and he's played a lot. Because he's come from a different league and played so many games, it's quite normal that once in a while he needs a game where he doesn't play like I've done with Mo Salah and many others.
"To get the best out of him, it's of course necessary for him to play and that's what he did and what he's going to do in the upcoming weeks."
Van Dijk stressed the importance of Wirtz settling into a new country and dressing room.
He told Sky Sports: "The main thing is when new players are coming in, as when I came in for a lot of money, is that you feel welcomed, you feel calm, your home situation is sorted, your family is happy. If that is good, then you'll be able to excel
"On top of that, in any profession, you need a bit of time to adjust, to get to know your colleagues, what they like to do, and also the demands of the Premier League and being at Liverpool. It's absolutely normal.
"We live in a world where it's difficult to get time from the outside world, but as long as we, and Liverpool, are looking at the way I'm looking at it, that we want to improve, then I'll be absolutely fine.
"I don't think it's good to focus purely on Florian in this case. The quality that he, Alexander (Isak), Hugo (Ekitike), Milos (Kerkez) has, there is no doubt about that.
"It's just about being together, improving and being successful. Every day that goes by in training or the games is another opportunity to get close together."
bubbilopuz
0
It was a scam, Bayer leverkusen scammed Liverpool
he created the most chances in the league so far this season in 21 chances created, go look it up,,although he's still not playing to his full potential as yet
yehbceikmp
1
And the sad thing is he's bringing down with him Salah Gakpo Ekitike Isak
Eketikes doing well
vuaabdipu
0
And the sad thing is he's bringing down with him Salah Gakpo Ekitike Isak
Yozadklt
1
if he was a man u player it would have been a different case everybody will there mouth to vomit rubbish
tutabdklmz
0
The bad thing many people want quick results forgetting that every sector undergoes transition , I believe wirtz performance will turn into an broken records only day trust me
cubabcilst
1
It was a scam, Bayer leverkusen scammed Liverpool
cubabcilst
0
people said this same thing about caisedo when he signed for Chelsea but now he is the best so just give this young guy time
Caisedo played in the preamer league he knew it well before he signed for Chelsea it will take Wirtz almost all of the season to adjust
Hopcdoprty
1
imaging if he signed by
Nozbikmot
2
He's a flop, rival fans tried to talk down on Grealish the same way
luhemopsty
2
Look at them defending him, cos he wasn't bought by UTD. look how much noise everyone made about Anthony at £80m.. F**king hypocrites. Isak is having to Adapt again to EPL after 3 successful years in the EPL with Newcastle. Bloody prats. just loads of bullshit and absolute nonsense.
reecmortuz
1
people said this same thing about caisedo when he signed for Chelsea but now he is the best so just give this young guy time
kameerl
2
Nunez Biggest upgrade 👌
Buhbklmor
0
best mid played in premiere was modric
Joudimosy
0
007? 008? 009? Wirtz have to decide for his agent number.. it's taking to long
pesabeisu
0
slot have to put ekitike salah and isak together
wusbmnrsz
4
Remember Shitty Pro Li VAR Fool pundits called him SIGNING OF PREMIER LEAGUE ERA [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Hopcdoprty
4
they try to defend ploppian witrz
EwaneJunior7
3
Flop flop flopian wirtz
Nixonj
0
31 games remain in league, possible 13 games remain in UCL, People decide flop too early in this period 😭🥱 wirtz will bang...
[image]
Is it 009 now??? ,€116m down the drain
VIKINGSB
4
Cool story...
Ayobamiadeayo
0
Dey play lol 😂
AFerrExg2412
1
No pressure please we will soon unlock your inner demon so don’t stop playing. I believe in you
cubabcilst
1
31 games remain in league, possible 13 games remain in UCL, People decide flop too early in this period 😭🥱 wirtz will bang...
[image]
Two different people there bro, not everything that shines is gold Flop
kanacemor
0
his goal is need impatiently
cubabcilst
0
You all called Gravenberch flop too. Loot at him now Wirtz will definitely come correct, the talent is there.
Two different people there bro, not everything that shines is gold
cubabcilst
1
Flop Flopping Wirtz
duwbcelr
1
i want to see robinson and.joe.gomez in.de starting.11 drop back wirtz to middle with mac and gav. salah on wing.r entke.on.lefti ..isaak on.top.suba defive middle joe.right wing back and robinson left wing back kante at front stopper van last
cubabcilst
0
Flop
sukcemouz
0
give him 5 years from now he will still be the same player no changings
You're a typical liar
sandafoxiry
0
You all called Gravenberch flop too. Loot at him now Wirtz will definitely come correct, the talent is there.
Raseikny
1
Having a price tag of £116 millions and he need somebody to cover up his failure to perform
yzi
1
flop of the century with his brother gyokeres
Charliey
0
Just like you sell coutinho to us.. just taste the portion of your trick..
racabklot
0
Dominik Szoboszlai is far better than him at that number ten role
racabklot
2
Overrated
akintayoibraheem
1
even 50m too much for him now
jitbcdmt
0
ur pls give this guy a chance. too soon few people trying to always criticize him.
AbdulZaks008
0
31 games remain in league, possible 13 games remain in UCL, People decide flop too early in this period 😭🥱 wirtz will bang...
Vacaeiklns
0
best flop of the season
Which season ... you guys are simply jealous... sorry😂
seudirst
2
give him 5 years from now he will still be the same player no changings
pepceinpry
3
best flop of the season