Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has called for patience with record-signing Florian Wirtz, insisting the 22-year-old German playmaker needs time to adapt after his high-profile move from Bayer Leverkusen. Slot’s plea comes amid mounting scrutiny over Wirtz’s slow start to life at Anfield, following a transfer reportedly worth around £100 million and widespread expectations that he would make an immediate impact in the Premier League.
Wirtz has yet to record a goal or assist in his first seven league appearances, despite his exceptional record in Germany, where he produced 57 goals and 65 assists in nearly 200 matches for Leverkusen. With Liverpool struggling for form and having lost three consecutive matches in all competitions, both the player and his coach are facing increasing pressure to deliver results.
However, Slot urged fans and pundits to look beyond basic statistics when evaluating Wirtz’s contribution. “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,” the Dutch manager said ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Manchester United.
“He’s been a bit unlucky with the finishing when he’s given his teammates 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 drew comparisons to the early career of Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne, who initially struggled in English football after his move to Chelsea. “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,” Slot remarked. “Give him (Wirtz) 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.”
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk also voiced support for his new teammate, echoing the manager’s sentiments about the need for patience and stability. “The main thing when new players come in is that they feel welcomed, calm, and settled,” Van Dijk said. “If your home situation is sorted and your family is happy, you’ll be able to excel. You need a bit of time to adjust, to get to know your teammates, understand what they like to do, and meet the demands of the Premier League and being at Liverpool. It’s absolutely normal.”
Slot made it clear that his confidence in Wirtz remains intact. He explained that adapting to the Premier League involves more than just tactical understanding — it also requires acclimatizing to a new culture, environment, and playing style. “He has to play, and he’s played a lot,” Slot said.
“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 rest — like I’ve done with Mo Salah and many others. To get the best out of him, he has to play regularly, and that’s what he’s been doing and will continue to do in the upcoming weeks.”
As Wirtz continues to find his footing, the next few matches will be crucial — both for Liverpool’s campaign and for the midfielder’s confidence. Slot’s belief is that once Wirtz’s performances begin translating into goals and assists, the narrative will quickly change. “Give him a bit of time,” Slot reiterated. “I’m definitely going to give him a bit of time.”