Everybody is trying to support Wirtz in his darkest hour

When Liverpool surprisingly signed Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for a fee of 116 million pounds (which includes an initial 100 million plus 16 million in add-ons), the world was in shock as he was destined for Bayern Munich, but the Reds managed the snatch him away. This signing was a new British record at the time, but in August already Alexander Isak came for even bigger money. Since then the Swede managed to score his maiden goal in the new club, but not the German. If we look at the stats column, the only thing which Florian Wirtz did since arriving at Enfield was to assist in a Community Shield game. Apart from that, in nine games in all competition he had nothing. Even the defensive midfielders like Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis MacAllister had more, but the German international none. And with a price tag like that, people are starting to talk.

Two sides of the same coin: Agent 007 & a 'clown' who became a hero

So, big names in the world of football are trying to protect him from critiques. Former Liverpool manager first.

"His quality is so outstanding. The discussions are a bit exaggerated. Liverpool just lost three games in a row, which is unusual. But that’s also normal in life. And that’s why such things are discussed there. Now I’ve been in the middle of such discussions long enough and can say: nothing could interest people there less than the public discussions. Wirtz is a once-in-a-century talent, and at some point he’ll show that in every game again, just as he did at Leverkusen" said Jurgen Klopp to Sport.de.

"I still feel sorry for Wirtz joining Liverpool"

Next in line was his Germany boss, Jurgen Nagelsmann.

"Even if he hasn't scored a goal, he's the player who creates the most chances in the Premier League. It's not his fault if his team-mate doesn't create them, and the statistic isn't even a third of the truth. He simply has to get used to the league. I've seen him feel completely liberated. He knows what he's capable of and how things work. Not everything has always been handed to him - he'll work hard now, too“ said former Bayern Munich coach.

Finally, his former international teammate and an experienced Premier League midfielder Illkay Gundogan had something to say in favor of Wirtz.

"I would like to see a bit more in-depth analysis here – and not just focus on 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. But 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" said former Manchester City midfielder.

WC QUALIFIERS - EUROPE

Monday

21.45: (15.0) Iceland (7.25) France (1.18)

21.45: (1.32) Macedonia (4.80) Kazakhstan (11.0)

21.45: (8.00) Northern Ireland (5.30) Germany (1.35)

21.45: (1.33) Slovakia (4.90) Luxembourg (10.5)

21.45: (5.30) Slovenia (3.60) Switzerland (1.70)

21.45: (1.33) Sweden (5.00) Kosovo* (10.0)

21.45: (1.25) Ukraine (6.00) Azerbaijan (11.0)

21.45: (4.90) Wales (3.60) Belgium (1.75)

***odds are subject to change***