Liverpool sent strong Florian Wirtz message as Alexander Isak decision defended - 'If people worry'

Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann is convinced big-money transfers Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak will both prove a success at Anfield

Liverpool supporters have been told not to worry about Florian Wirtz despite a slow start to his Anfield career. Wirtz became the most expensive signing in the club's history when he turned down approaches from Manchester City and Bayern Munich to move to the Reds from Bayer Leverkusen in a £116million deal during the summer.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder contributed an assist on his competitive debut in the Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace but has yet to feature for a full 90 minutes as he adjusts to the intensity of the Premier League.

Wirtz attracted criticism in Germany as one of several key players to underperform during their shock 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat in Slovakia on Thursday.

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But former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann - who made a similar switch from the Bundesliga to the Premier League - is convinced his compatriot will soon start realising his potential at Anfield.

“The Bundesliga is the league closest to the Premier League in terms of physicality and pace, more so than Italy or Spain," said Hamann. "However, it's a different game.

“In the first few weeks, Florian Wirtz was caught in possession against Bournemouth a couple of times, and again (against Arsenal last Sunday). This happened five times all season in the Bundesliga, but probably four or five times now in the first four games, including the Community Shield.

“It's a different pace, and he needs to get used to it and adapt. I think he's a smart player. I think he'll be fine."

Hamann, speaking to CoinPoker, added: “I felt that in the first two games and the first half (against Arsenal), he was brought in to have an impact going forward, which he didn't really do. With the chance he had when they scored that offside goal, he had a decent touch and took the shot on the half-volley well.

“I felt he had a bit more freedom afterwards because I think in the second half, it was the first time I felt that he really contributed to the team going forward. He always worked for the team, which is very good, but that's not the reason why he's been brought in.

“If people worry, I tell them not to worry. The kid is smart, good, and special. I think in the next few weeks, we'll see the player everybody was hoping they signed.”

Wirtz was replaced as Liverpool's record signing on deadline day when the Reds ended a long-running transfer saga by agreeing a £125m deal with Newcastle United for Alexander Isak.

And while the Sweden international has also become the most expensive player in British football history, Hamann has no qualms over the value of the 25-year-old.

“The fee for Alexander Isak is a matter of supply and demand, and he has been very much in demand," said Hamann.

"Transfer fees have exploded in the last 10-20 years, making it hard for people to comprehend the money involved.

“However, there is a lot of money in the business, and that's the reality. A transfer fee of £100m-plus is justified because he is one of the best, if not the best, centre-forwards in the Premier League.

“Now, he simply has to score goals for Liverpool. I will say Isak is the deal of the summer.”

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