Florian Wirtz was meant to be Liverpool’s big summer jewel, the £116m signing from Bayer Leverkusen who symbolised Arne Slot’s new era at Anfield. At just 22 years old, already considered one of Europe’s brightest playmakers, he arrived with the weight of expectation on his shoulders and the hopes of millions of Liverpool fans in his boots. But only weeks into his Premier League adventure, tension is rising after a scare that has left supporters uneasy – and after comments from his national team manager, that unease has only grown louder.
Wirtz’s introduction to English football has been as intense as it has been exciting. He has featured in every competitive game so far, with Slot immediately making him central to Liverpool’s midfield and attacking rhythm. From the Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace, to the early battles against Bournemouth, Newcastle, and most recently Arsenal, Wirtz has been ever-present. Yet, in each of those matches, he has been withdrawn early, struggling with the sheer physicality and pace of the English game. Against Arsenal at Anfield, he looked set to finally complete a full 90 minutes, but as the clock ticked to 89, he sank to the turf, grimacing, before hobbling off with the support of Liverpool’s physios.
The sight set alarm bells ringing across Merseyside. After all, Liverpool know all too well the dangers of overusing their star signings. Memories of players like Thiago Alcântara and Naby Keïta, whose careers at Anfield were blighted by constant injuries, still haunt the fans. Arne Slot quickly moved to calm fears, explaining afterwards that it wasn’t a serious problem. “It wasn’t an injury,” the Dutch coach said, half smiling. “It was a welcome to the Premier League. After 85 minutes he realised you can have cramp in so many different places. That’s what happened.” His reassurance was light-hearted, but in truth, Liverpool fans were not entirely convinced.
Those doubts have only been fuelled further now that Wirtz has joined up with Germany for the September international break. National team coach Julian Nagelsmann has made it clear that he intends to push Wirtz to his limits, refusing to rest the midfielder despite his heavy start to life in England. “I will show no leniency,” Nagelsmann said in his press conference before Germany’s World Cup qualifier against Slovakia. “He is one of our most important players – he should perform, and he will.”
For Liverpool, those words were a punch in the gut. The fear is obvious: their £116m star, still adapting to the relentless Premier League schedule, could be driven into exhaustion – or worse, a serious injury – on international duty. The timing could not be worse either, with Liverpool preparing for a congested September schedule that includes the Premier League, the start of their Champions League campaign, and a League Cup fixture. Slot can only hope Wirtz returns with a clean bill of health.
Nagelsmann added fuel to the fire by commenting on Wirtz’s early Liverpool form. “I didn’t find his performances in Liverpool incredibly dominant, but not so negative either. It’s normal that you need a bit of time at a new club,” he said, before stressing that he expects his midfielder to hit higher levels soon. While meant as a fair assessment, those words have sparked debate among fans and pundits. Some agree that Wirtz has looked a little subdued compared to his Leverkusen brilliance. Others point out that adapting to Liverpool’s system, to English football, and to Slot’s demands, was always going to take time.
The stakes could hardly be higher. Liverpool did not just buy Wirtz for his talent – they bought him to be the heartbeat of their midfield for the next decade. He is expected to replace the creativity lost with the departures of Jordan Henderson, James Milner, and eventually even the aging Thiago. He is the man to link defence and attack, to unlock stubborn opponents, to carry Liverpool’s DNA of flair and fight. Already, his quick touches, vision, and ability to glide past opponents have teased fans with glimpses of what is to come. His assist in the Community Shield was a small taste of the magic Liverpool hope will soon become routine.
But football has a cruel way of testing new signings early. Wirtz, like many continental stars before him, is learning the hard truth: the Premier League is relentless, physical, and unforgiving. Unlike Germany’s Bundesliga, there are no easy weekends, no gentle transitions. Every match is a battle, every opponent capable of bruising both body and ego. And so, while Nagelsmann demands Wirtz show his worth on the international stage, Liverpool fans can only watch anxiously, praying he does not break under the weight of it all.
What happens in the coming weeks will shape more than just Wirtz’s season. It will shape Liverpool’s. If he comes back fit and firing, Slot can continue building a new side around him, with Alexander Isak ready to debut and Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, and Gravenberch offering support. If Wirtz comes back with a setback, however small, the optimism that surrounded Liverpool’s summer will suddenly feel fragile.
For now, the only certainty is that all eyes are on Florian Wirtz. The boy who dazzled in Leverkusen has stepped into the spotlight of Anfield, and now, onto the unforgiving stage of international football. Liverpool are holding their breath.
