Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has called for patience regarding Florian Wirtz’s adjustment to the club, emphasizing the need for support as the playmaker continues to settle into the Premier League. Wirtz, who joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in a high-profile transfer potentially worth up to £116 million, has faced scrutiny over his performances since the move, with some questioning his influence on the pitch.
The 23-year-old midfielder’s form came under renewed examination following Liverpool’s recent victory over Bournemouth, where his contribution was closely analyzed and found wanting by some observers. Wirtz has struggled with consistency, echoing challenges from his initial period at Liverpool last season. Andrew Robertson, formerly of Liverpool and now with Tottenham Hotspur, has suggested that the 2025-26 season should effectively be considered the first full campaign for players like Wirtz and fellow summer signing Alexander Isak, given the adaptation period required.
Van Dijk stressed the importance of maintaining a supportive environment to allow Wirtz’s evident talent to flourish. “Obviously, when you come in as a big signing there is always going to be talk and pressure,” he said. “It is down to us—and himself—to make sure the pressure goes away by performing. He has not had the easiest start but I see the quality he has.” The captain added that the player should try to ignore external distractions, particularly criticism on social media, and focus on his development with backing from both the coaching staff and teammates.
Liverpool’s manager, Andoni Iraola, has been deploying Wirtz primarily as an attacking midfielder in the No. 10 role, differing from his prior positioning at Leverkusen, where he was often more effective near the left flank. This positional adjustment was evident during Wirtz’s recent substitute appearance for Germany in their 1-0 defeat against Greece, where he gravitated toward the left side of the pitch, reflecting his previous role.
Wirtz is currently with the German national squad ahead of Nations League matches against Serbia and Greece this week. Van Dijk affirmed that the team remains united around Wirtz and committed to assisting him through the settling-in period: “I will 100 per cent speak to him if he is struggling. From what I see, his head is down and he is focusing on training.”
As Liverpool navigates the current season, patience from both the club and supporters appears crucial as Wirtz adapts to the demands of English football and seeks to justify the significant investment made to secure his services.