Former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann warns Florian Wirtz that he must adapt quickly to the demands of English football after a slow start to life in the Premier League.
The 22-year-old Germany international arrived at Liverpool with high expectations following his standout performances at Bayer Leverkusen, but Hamann believes Wirtz ranked at no.1 in FourFourTwo's list of the best attacking midfielders in the world right now has found the transition tougher than expected.
Hes got to adapt to the pace of the game, Hamann tells FourFourTwo on behalf of Grosvenor Casino. Its more physical, its quicker, free kicks are not given as easily as in Germany, and youve got to mature.
'Hes got to adapt to the pace of the game' Liverpool legend Didi Hamann tells FourFourTwo
Hes still a young player, but when you come to England you have to mature and hes got to mature quickly, Hamann continues, admitting that Wirtzs early outings in a Liverpool shirt have left plenty to be desired, with only fleeting moments of quality.
The first four games, I watched them all, have been very disappointing. The first bit of light I saw was the second half against Arsenal, where he had two or three situations where I think he helped the team, he affected the game in a positive way going forward. But apart from that, its been very underwhelming and the games hes played have passed him by. He very rarely took part.
According to Hamann, Wirtzs self-belief has dipped. I think what happens now is the confidence is low and, in a way, he tries too hard because he works a lot against the ball, he says, having won six major trophies during his time at Anfield, including two FA Cups, the UEFA Cup and the Champions League.
Whereas I think sometimes hes got to be smart and maybe have a bit of a breather, because thats the way he plays. But you want him to use his energy going forward.
Despite his concerns, Hamann has praised the youngsters attitude, after his nine-figure move over the summer made him the fifth most expensive player of all time before Alexander Isak surpassed him on that list.
He wants to earn the respect of the players; you only get that by working when youre not playing well, Hamann says. At least he works, which shows hes a good character, a good kid. But hes got to start affecting the game going forward. So far he hasnt really done that and I hope it happens quickly because its four games now.
With Liverpool manager Arne Slot desperate to defend Liverpools Premier League crown with a team built in his own design, it is felt that Wirtz is under pressure to start delivering soon.
If he doesnt pick up in the next two or three games, there might be a situation where the manager says, maybe Ive got to give him a bit of a break, says Hamann. I dont think Slot will worry too much because he sees him in training, he knows how good he is. But the outside pressure is not to be underestimated.
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