Florian Wirtz has been told something ‘not fair’ has happened to him at Liverpool

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Florian Wirtz has been the subject of intense criticism since arriving at Liverpool this summer.

The 22-year-old was slammed by German media during the international break as he was deemed directly culpable for David Hancko’s opening goal for Slovakia in the 2-0 loss.

He responded with a sensational free kick, which left Liverpool fans in awe in the following World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland, and directed his celebration towards the critics.

Indeed, the German international has been under the microscope since completing his blockbuster £116 million move to Anfield via Bayer Leverkusen this summer.

The criticism is natural, given the then-British transfer record fee paid for his services, and while he has yet to replicate the form shown in the Bundesliga, Reds legend Jan Molby believes it will only be a matter of time before Wirtz returns to his best.

Jan Molby believes Florian Wirtz will soon find his feet at Liverpool

When speaking on the Anfield Index podcast, the former Liverpool legend revealed what he expects to see from Wirtz at Anfield, citing his second-half display in the 1-0 win against Arsenal as encouragement.

“I thought it was definitely his best game for Liverpool (against Arsenal), but then he had a worrying outing for Germany again in their first game, where he didn’t play particularly well.

“He would be encouraged by the second half against Arsenal, because sometimes you just need little bits and bobs that go your way.

“When somebody costs that type of money, and it’s not fair for him, but that’s what we expected, that this boy is going to settle in from day one. It hasn’t quite been like that. Ability is still there, I think we’ll be absolutely fine.

“My expectation is him floating across Anfield playing long range passes and the other passes like where he pushes the ball in behind and does his little… we haven’t quite seen that, so I still think there’s work to be done.”

Liverpool fans were frustrated with Wirtz throughout the first half against Arsenal, as the midfielder was seen constantly giving away possession, breaking down promising attacks, and being unable to keep pace with the match.

However, he emerged from the halftime interval at Anfield a different player and began to really dictate the tempo for the Reds – Wirtz has struggled in the Premier League thus far, but this felt like a real turning point.

It took the German only four minutes into his competitive debut for Liverpool to record his first goal involvement as he assisted Hugo Ekitike’s opener in the Community Shield loss to Crystal Palace.

Wirtz has shown glimpses of his undeniable quality as Lothar Mattheus backed his German compatriot to shine, but he must soon start delivering consistently for the Reds.

Florian Wirtz needs to impress for Liverpool vs Burnley

Paul Merson believes Arne Slot should drop Wirtz for the trip to Turf Moor on Sunday and revert to the midfield trio who won the Premier League title last season.

An outrageous suggestion to say the least, as facing off against newly promoted opposition provides Wirtz the perfect stage to get off the mark in English football.

Liverpool supporters will already be disappointed that record-signing Alexander Isak is not fit enough to start the match; it would be a shame to see the German demoted to the bench due to recent criticism.

Furthermore, Wirtz needs confidence, and once he finds that, he will undoubtedly start showing the form that earned him the reputation as one of the best attacking midfielders in world football – but nevertheless, it is imperative that he produces a dominant display if he is selected against Burnley.