Former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann has delivered a stark warning to the club's record signing Florian Wirtz, suggesting the German attacking midfielder has until Christmas to save his Anfield career.
Struggles Since £116m Move
Florian Wirtz, who joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen for £116million during the summer transfer window, has failed to register a single goal or assist in the Premier League. The 22-year-old's difficult adaptation to English football has coincided with a dismal run for Arne Slot's side, who have lost nine of their last twelve matches.
Hamann, who enjoyed a successful seven-year spell at Liverpool between 1999 and 2006, expressed particular concern about Wirtz's missed opportunities. "Florian Wirtz has had chances to perform," Hamann told CoinPoker.com. "He's had chances over the last six to eight weeks, where the team hasn't really fired since the start of the season."
Unhappy Player Thinking Too Much
The former German international believes Wirtz's current struggles stem from overthinking on the pitch. "He doesn't look happy at the moment," Hamann observed. "He's a player who learned football on the streets, and that's how he played for Leverkusen. This is why he was so natural - he always did the right thing. Now he doesn't do that anymore, he thinks too much."
Hamann also noted that Wirtz's defensive workrate might be hindering his attacking contributions. "I think he works too much going backwards, which credits and honours him because he wants to help the team. But obviously, he was brought in to effect games on the other side of the pitch, and he hasn't done it so far."
Christmas Deadline and Potential Loan Move
In his most concerning assessment, Hamann suggested that Wirtz might be questioning his suitability for the Premier League. "Sometimes when I watch him when he loses possession, I'm thinking maybe it's because it's a lot quicker, a lot more physical, as if he were to say: 'I'm not sure that's for me'. I hope I'm wrong, but this is how it looks to me."
The pundit set a clear deadline for improvement, stating: "I think he's got until Christmas now to show his worth. That is not easy because, as I said, the team is not functioning at the moment."
Hamann didn't rule out the possibility of a temporary departure, adding: "If he doesn't do it from now until Christmas, I'm pretty sure that the club will get together with him and see what the best would be for both parties. Could he still leave Liverpool on loan in January? Yeah."
Liverpool, currently sitting 12th in the Premier League table, face crucial fixtures against West Ham, Sunderland and Leeds in the coming days as they attempt to reverse their disappointing form.
