Julian Brandt Defends Florian Wirtz as Liverpool Star Begins to Find His Rhythm
Florian Wirtz is beginning to show signs of progress at Liverpool, but questions remain over whether the German playmaker can consistently meet the expectations attached to his high-profile transfer. As criticism continues to follow his early performances in England, compatriot Julian Brandt has offered a firm defence, calling Wirtz Germany’s best footballer and urging fans to give him time.
Speaking on the Spielmacher podcast, Ajax midfielder Brandt did not hesitate when asked to assess Wirtz’s standing among German players. “For me, he is Germany’s best player. By some distance!” he said. The endorsement is notable from a fellow attacking midfielder who has spent years competing at the highest level of German football.
Pressure Following a Record-Breaking Liverpool Transfer
Wirtz joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2025 for a reported €125 million. The size of the fee immediately raised expectations, placing him under intense scrutiny from supporters, pundits and the English media. At a club with Liverpool’s ambitions, every performance is measured against the hope that a major signing will quickly deliver goals, assists and decisive moments.
That impact took time to arrive. Wirtz went through a difficult stretch in which goals and assists were limited, and criticism grew as observers questioned whether his style would translate to the Premier League. Some former footballers even suggested he should consider leaving Anfield. Brandt, however, believes such talk is premature and risks overlooking the challenge of adapting to a new team, competition and football culture.
“I don’t even think he needs to change clubs, despite all the rumours now circulating,” Brandt said. He considers Liverpool a suitable environment for Wirtz, while acknowledging that a player’s reputation can become difficult to alter once a negative label takes hold. In Brandt’s view, the debate around Wirtz should focus on his development and qualities rather than rushing to conclusions based on a challenging start.
A Different Kind of Premier League Playmaker
Brandt’s defence is not based on denying that Wirtz has faced difficulties. Instead, he points to the midfielder’s distinctive strengths and explains why they may not always match traditional expectations of a Premier League player. English football is often associated with physical intensity, powerful running and direct attacking play. Wirtz, by contrast, is an elegant technician whose influence is frequently felt in the spaces between midfield and defence.
Brandt highlighted Wirtz’s movement between the lines and his ability to find solutions when a match becomes congested. Those qualities can be especially valuable against organised opponents, when Liverpool need a player capable of receiving the ball under pressure, turning quickly and creating an opening with a pass or a clever run.
“The typical Premier League player is someone who is strong in one-on-one duels, can impose himself physically and can strike a ball into the top corner with a lot of power,” Brandt explained. Wirtz, he added, is different: “He is an elegant player. When he runs, his heel barely even touches the ground. He is basically always running on the balls of his feet.”
That contrast does not mean Wirtz is unsuited to English football. Rather, it suggests that his route to success may look different from that of a more direct or physically dominant player. His game is built around timing, awareness and technical control—qualities that can take time to integrate into a fast, demanding league, particularly when a new signing is expected to become an immediate focal point.
Recent Performances Offer Encouraging Signs
There are indications that Wirtz is starting to settle. He registered an assist against Brentford in Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat, then scored his first goal of the season in a 4-3 victory over Villarreal. Those contributions do not settle the wider debate, but they provide tangible evidence of progress after a period in which his influence was judged largely through the absence of headline statistics.
For attacking players, confidence and rhythm can be closely connected. A first goal can ease pressure, while an assist can help build understanding with teammates and reinforce a player’s role within the system. Liverpool supporters will hope these moments mark the start of a more productive run rather than isolated highlights. The next test is whether Wirtz can maintain his involvement across a demanding schedule and contribute consistently in both domestic and European fixtures.
His adaptation also depends on more than individual talent. Liverpool’s tactical structure, the movement of the forwards around him and the balance of the midfield all influence how often Wirtz can receive the ball in dangerous areas. If the team creates space between opposition lines, his close control and quick decision-making could become increasingly important. If opponents deny him time and room, he will need to respond to the physical pressure that Brandt recognises as a defining feature of the Premier League.
Brandt’s Prediction: Wirtz Can Become an English Football Star
Despite describing Wirtz as unlike the traditional Premier League prototype, Brandt remains convinced that his compatriot can thrive in England. “In my eyes, he is not the prototype of a Premier League player. But I think he has everything it takes to become one of the best there,” he said, reiterating that Wirtz’s underlying quality makes him Germany’s leading player in his assessment.
That is a bold prediction, especially given the pressure attached to Wirtz’s transfer fee and the impatience that can surround high-profile signings. But Brandt’s argument is that Liverpool should not expect Wirtz to succeed by copying another kind of player. His value lies in what makes him distinctive: intelligent movement, technical finesse and the ability to make difficult situations appear manageable.
For now, the story is one of transition rather than verdict. Wirtz has experienced a demanding introduction to English football, but recent contributions suggest he is moving in the right direction. If he can turn flashes of quality into a steady run of goals, assists and creative performances, Brandt’s confidence may soon be shared by a wider audience. Liverpool’s challenge is to give their expensive playmaker the time and tactical support needed to show why his former teammate believes he can become one of the Premier League’s outstanding footballers.
