Ilkay Gundogan says Florian Wirtz critics 'don't understand football' and blasts 'completely exaggerated' transfer flop label amid £116m signing's Liverpool struggles

When Liverpool secured Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for a staggering €133m (£116m/$154m), expectations were sky-high. The 22-year-old was seen as the creative force to reignite the Reds’ attack and a generational successor to the club’s greats. Yet, just 10 games into his Premier League journey, the young midfielder finds himself at the centre of intense criticism for failing to register a single goal or assist.

This narrative, however, has not gone unnoticed by the football fraternity, particularly by former Germany captain Gundogan, who knows the pressures of English football first-hand after his own Premier League spell with Manchester City. Gundogan, now at Galatasaray, has openly expressed empathy for Wirtz’s situation, condemning the harsh judgment surrounding his Liverpool form and urging fans to look deeper than statistics.

Having spent seven seasons in England and emerged as one of the most tactically intelligent midfielders in the world, Gundogan understands better than most the weight of expectation that comes with a big transfer.

"With the high transfer fee for Flo, it was somehow clear that things could get very loud very quickly in England – unfortunately, that's the way the business works these days. It's not Flo's fault that he cost so much. Nevertheless, it's understandable that people expect a lot from him. However, I've read that across all competitions, no Premier League player has created more chances than Flo," Gundogan said in an interview with Bild.

The 34-year-old further added: "I would like to see a bit more in-depth analysis here – and not just focus on the bare assists and goals. Anyone who doesn't see Flo's outstanding quality really doesn't understand much about football. To call it a transfer flop already is completely exaggerated.

"I'm sure the goals and assists will come very soon – if not in October, then from November onwards. No player or person in this world can completely block out so much noise; it always takes its toll on you. Nevertheless, I believe Flo, as a human being, and given his immense talent, will get through this phase. That would also be extremely important for the German national team. Personally, I don't have many doubts and see it as just a matter of time."

Wirtz’s early struggles are hardly unique in football’s high-pressure environment. Many greats once faced similar doubts before turning their fortunes around. Thierry Henry endured a difficult start at Arsenal before becoming a Premier League icon with 157 goals. Dennis Bergkamp was written off after a goalless streak but later orchestrated Arsenal’s golden era. Even at Liverpool, Mohamed Salah was dismissed as a flop at Chelsea before returning to England to become one of the club’s most prolific scorers. 

Supporting Wirtz’s case,  Liverpool coach Arne Slot explained that the midfielder has sometimes been deployed in unfamiliar roles, including as a number 10 and on the left wing, which affected his influence. Slot suggested that Wirtz might thrive if given more freedom to cut inside from the left, similar to how he plays under Julian Nagelsmann and former-side Leverkusen. The Reds' coach further acknowledged the challenges Wirtz has faced, pointing out the tough fixtures Liverpool encountered early in the season, including matches against Bournemouth, Newcastle, Arsenal, and Burnley, which made it hard for any player to thrive.

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has also backed Wirtz, calling him a “once-in-a-century talent” and emphasising that the ongoing criticism is “a bit exaggerated.”

Wirtz has maintained composure despite the mounting noise around him. Reflecting on his early months at Liverpool, he said: “I know what I can do, and I know that eventually I’ll show it fully on the pitch. So I just stay calm. That’s good advice.”

Acknowledging the lack of direct goal contributions so far, he added that such phases are part of the game. “Of course, I’d like to have scored or assisted already, but I know that it will come. Sometimes things don’t go your way, but I work every day to improve. I know I can play good football, and it’s just a matter of time.”

With the majority of the season yet to unfold, Wirtz has ample time on his sleeves to quash the criticism surrounding him and reignite his form with his new club Liverpool.