Curtis Jones backs Florian Wirtz after sluggish start to Liverpool career
Florian Wirtz has faced significant scrutiny since his £116m summer transfer to Liverpool, with many fans and pundits questioning whether the German midfielder would live up to the price tag.
Wirtz’s move to Anfield was one of the most high-profile transfers of the summer, with expectations soaring due to his hefty price tag and reputation as a prodigious talent. Yet, since his last goal contribution in the Community Shield in August, Wirtz had struggled to make an impact, drawing criticism from rival supporters who labelled him an expensive disappointment. Despite this, his performance against Frankfurt, where he delivered two assists, marked a turning point.
However, Curtis Jones has remained a consistent advocate for Wirtz, arguing that the real Florian Wirtz is only just beginning to emerge. While his early performances remained met with frustration, the game against Frankfurt might have helped spark the change that we hope to see from the 22-year-old.
Here is what Jones told LFCTV:
“I say all the time on Flo, he’s one of those lads that if you don’t think he’s good, you don’t understand the game,”
“Obviously he’s been bought for a huge price-tag, that’s not his fault, and everybody expects goals and assists. We do as well obviously, but in terms of what he brings into the team, where he goes and moves, he might not actually get on the ball, but it helps me and Dom [Szoboszlai]. As he moves a lad has to stay with Flo and it means that I’m free and that’s just the smart thing of how he plays.”
“It’s a matter of time before he gets his goals and assists, you saw there he just got two and I told him just carry on. From the first day you could see he had that spark.”
“The Premier League as well, of course it’s a huge change as well but he’s a smart lad, intelligent lad, technically he’s unbelievable as well, so it’s a matter of time before everybody sees the real Flo. We see it every day when he trains, I can’t wait until everybody.”
The connection between Jones and Wirtz, evident during pre-season, has been difficult to replicate in competitive fixtures until recently. Jones’s own impressive display in Frankfurt reflects their potential as a dynamic midfield pairing.
Dropping Wirtz now, after his confidence-boosting performance, would not be so smart. Jones’s form further justifies their inclusion, as their synergy could provide the creativity Liverpool need in midfield during this transitional phase under Slot’s management.
For Liverpool, maximising this emerging partnership is critical as they face a demanding schedule, including the game against Brentford. While Real Madrid would call the likes of Macca back into the lineup, that decision can be taken closer to the game as well.
As Jones predicted, “exciting times” lie ahead for Liverpool if Wirtz can replicate his training ground brilliance on the pitch consistently.
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