Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz in action during a Premier League match, amid comparisons to Luka Modric.
Florian Wirtz’s rocky start at Liverpool has stirred plenty of debate — but former Premier League stars and football insiders believe the German prodigy will silence his critics, just as Luka Modric once did.
The 22-year-old midfielder, who arrived from Bayer Leverkusen in a blockbuster £116 million deal last summer, was tipped to be Liverpool’s next midfield maestro. But his early struggles in the Premier League have raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike.
Wirtz’s transition from the Bundesliga to the fast-paced Premier League hasn’t been easy. Despite flashes of brilliance, he’s yet to fully adapt to Liverpool’s intensity and rhythm. His father, Hanz Wirtz, recently shared that the family remains patient, saying they knew the early phase would be challenging.
“We and Florian are perfectly happy,” he told BILD. “The incredible speed and distances covered in England are different, and it takes time to adjust.”
In a show of faith, former Tottenham and England winger David Bentley has drawn a flattering comparison between Wirtz and Luka Modric, reminding critics that even the Real Madrid icon endured a shaky start in England.
“Yes, he’s exactly the same,” Bentley told Sky Sports. “When Modric came through the door, he was just like Wirtz — scanning, receiving, knowing what to do before the ball arrives. Technically, both are unbelievable and can dictate the tempo of a match. Fans need to stick by him.”
Bentley’s comments echo what many see as the natural adaptation curve for creative midfielders who move to more physically demanding leagues.
Wirtz has also received backing from Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann, who defended the youngster while throwing a subtle jab at Liverpool’s attacking unit.
“Liverpool could also help him out by scoring some of the chances he creates,” Nagelsmann joked. “They somehow don’t like to shoot the ball in.”
The German boss noted that Liverpool’s recent instability hasn’t helped Wirtz’s adjustment period but stressed that patience will pay off.
“It’s perfectly normal for a player of his age to go through a bit of a dip in form,” he said. “We all know what he’s capable of — he just needs time and confidence.”
Much like Modric’s journey from “Premier League flop” headlines to Ballon d’Or glory, Wirtz’s story at Anfield may still be in its early chapters. With his technical class, creativity, and vision, he remains one of Europe’s brightest young midfielders — and Liverpool fans may yet see the player they were promised.
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