Liverpool Back Florian Wirtz Despite Slow Start After Fulham Draw
Liverpool were held 0-0 by Fulham in their latest Premier League match, leaving Florian Wirtz without a goal or assist again as scrutiny grows around the German playmaker’s slow start to 2026-27.
Andoni Iraola remains unbeaten in competitive football since taking charge, but Liverpool have collected only six points from their opening four league games. Their next test is a Carabao Cup third-round tie against Tottenham on Tuesday, with the club needing its major investments to deliver more in the final third.
Wirtz under pressure after quiet first year
Wirtz, 23, scored seven times and supplied seven assists in his first season at Anfield. Those figures fell short of the output expected after he recorded more than 20 goal contributions in each of his final two campaigns with Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen.
His difficult 2026 World Cup in North America added to concerns, and the creative spark has not returned in the opening weeks of the new domestic campaign.
- Wirtz arrived in England after starring in Leverkusen’s title-winning side and producing consistently high numbers in Germany.
- He ended his Liverpool debut season with 14 direct goal contributions, but questions persisted over his adaptation to Premier League football.
- He then endured a disappointing World Cup with Germany in 2026.
- His latest outing brought no return as Liverpool drew 0-0 with Fulham.
- Liverpool now face Tottenham on Tuesday before attention returns to whether Wirtz can quickly change the narrative.
Former Liverpool players split on his outlook
Jermaine Pennant believes this season is decisive for Wirtz but does not expect Liverpool to rush towards a sale, even if his form remains below the level he reached in Germany.
Pennant said a player changing leagues and teams can need a season and a half before settling. He also pointed to Iraola’s arrival and a new tactical approach as another factor that could either aid or delay Wirtz’s adjustment.
“There will be plenty of attention on him this season,” Pennant said. “He is a quality player despite the fee and the recent issues. He can improve.”
Pennant added that Liverpool need players of Wirtz’s calibre in a strong squad and said he expects the midfielder to recover his best form rather than be moved on quickly.
Hamann sets short deadline
Dietmar Hamann was more blunt, arguing that Wirtz must begin deciding games soon. The former Liverpool and Germany midfielder said Wirtz should be judged primarily on creating and scoring, rather than trying to compensate by doing excessive defensive work.
Hamann believes the balance of Wirtz’s game has been wrong: he has worked hard without the ball, but has not yet produced enough when Liverpool have possession. In Hamann’s view, team-mates will grant an attacking player greater freedom only when he repeatedly turns possession into chances, assists and goals.
He said Wirtz influenced only a small number of matches last season, which was insufficient for a player of his status and cost. Hamann accepted that the Premier League’s physical demands can take time to master, but noted that not every acclaimed overseas midfielder succeeds in England, citing Juan Sebastian Veron’s brief stay before returning to Italy.
Hamann had initially urged patience during Wirtz’s first two or three months, but said his confidence declined once the struggles continued beyond Christmas. He now believes the next three or four weeks could be critical.
If Wirtz does not start affecting games before the longer international break, Hamann expects renewed debate over Liverpool’s decision to sign him and whether the player himself is suited to the move. He suggested the club may have to seek an answer as early as the winter window if there is no improvement.
