Former Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero has chipped in with his prediction over what the future holds for Florian Wirtz, who has struggled for form since joining Liverpool in the summer
Former Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero has spoken about Florian Wirtz(Image: Getty Images)
Sergio Aguero has backed Florian Wirtz to turn his Liverpool career around and become “vital” for the Reds. Wirtz, 22, has endured a difficult start to life at Anfield since his £116million move from Bayer Leverkusen in June.
Indeed, the German international has failed to score in 16 appearances for Arne Slot’s side. Although Wirtz has registered three assists – two in the Champions League and one in the FA Cup – he hasn’t done enough on a regular basis to warrant a regular spot in the starting XI, with Slot often rotating him and Cody Gakpo.
However, ex-Manchester City hitman Aguero has defended Wirtz and believes it’s only a matter of time before he catches fire and becomes an important player for the Reds.
READ MORE: Florian Wirtz handed Liverpool deadline to avoid brutal January transferREAD MORE: Jurgen Klopp has made Liverpool return stance clear as Arne Slot sent ‘terrible’ warning
Speaking to Stake, Aguero said on Wirtz: “It’s hard to give advice. Players have different personalities and their adaptation times vary. Some adapt quickly and others need more time.
“But I have no doubt he will settle. Great players – and Wirtz is one – sooner or later settle and become vital in their teams.”
Aguero’s comments emerged soon after former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann claimed he wouldn’t be surprised to see Wirtz depart the Reds on loan during the January transfer window.
Florian Wirtz of Liverpool(Image: Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images)
“Could Florian Wirtz still leave Liverpool on loan in January? Yeah,” said Hamann.
“Obviously with all the help and all the protection from the club and the manager, if you bring somebody in for that amount of money, then maybe he should be the one, even though he’s still very young, then maybe you expect him to turn things around.
“I don’t think, the way he’s playing at the moment, I’m not sure he’s capable of doing that. And when I watch him sometimes, you know, thinking, has he lost belief because it is in 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. Sometimes if it’s going on for too long, you know, it’s very hard to turn it around.”
As well as speaking about Wirtz, Aguero chipped in with his opinion on Mohamed Salah and the Egyptian’s struggles in front of goal at the moment. The 33-year-old has scored just five times in 18 matches this season.
Mohamed Salah’s lack of form has not helped Liverpool either(Image: Getty Images)
“Never doubt a great goalscorer,” Aguero added. “Salah has a great scoring average and I’m sure he’ll get back to his rhythm.
“I think he was affected by his team not having the best start. And a player can’t do everything alone.”
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