Bayern Munich legend Thomas Muller has thrown his support behind Florian Wirtz and backed his compatriot to shine at Liverpool.
The Reds confirmed back in June that they had completed the signing of the 22-year-old from Bayer Leverkusen. Bayern Munich and Germany legend Thomas Müller has publicly backed Florian Wirtz to thrive at Liverpool following his high-profile move after criticism has come his way after consecutive poor performances.
Liverpool and Germany midfielder Florian Wirtz has been in the spotlight during the international break after Germany were beaten 2-0 by Slovakia on Thursday night with such a price tag comes enormous expectation. Many imagined Wirtz stepping straight into Arne Slot’s midfield and transforming Liverpool’s creativity from day one. Yet, the reality so far has been more complicated.
Since starting the Community Shield against Crystal Palace and all three of Liverpool’s opening Premier League games, Wirtz has managed just a single assist. His numbers are modest by his own standards — It is a stark contrast to his days at Bayer Leverkusen, where he thrived under Xabi Alonso. he produced 57 goals and 65 assists in 197 games for Leverkusen and in England, there have been signs of a player still working out the rhythm, pace, and physicality of the league.
At times, the 22-year-old has looked isolated in possession. He has shown glimpses of his trademark close control and eye for a pass, but hasn’t consistently dictated games in the way he did in the Bundesliga. Slot has also admitted that his system is still being fine-tuned, with Wirtz asked to link with Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo in a way that is unfamiliar compared to his role under Alonso.
The early challenges have not gone unnoticed both players shared a dressing room together for Germany, and he suggests early struggles at Anfield should not be a cause for concern. The Bayern Munich legend has urged Liverpool fans to be patient, insisting his compatriot has the quality and mentality to succeed.
“I think Florian will fit in anywhere. He’s not only a very good footballer, but also mentally very strong. At the end of the day, we’re used to dealing with [big transfer fees]. The expectations are so high anyway,” Müller told CBS.
What strikes Müller most about Wirtz is not simply his technical ability but his character. In 2022, the midfielder suffered a serious ACL injury that could have derailed his career. Instead, he returned stronger and led Leverkusen to glory.
“It’s the mental strength. He’s already overcome big challenges like the ACL injury in 2022 and he came back stronger. That’s what makes him different. He doesn’t just have talent, he has character.”
The 35-year-old also reflected on the pressure that comes with transfer fees of such magnitude, questioning whether the figures help anyone other than the clubs involved.
“What’s €150 million? It’s unreal. It’s just a number between clubs. You can’t feel what €150 million means. You can’t get Neymar (who moved to PSG for €222m in 2017), but you can plant many trees with that.”
For Slot and Liverpool, the key will be easing Wirtz into the squad and giving him time to adjust to new teammates and tactical demands. The Dutchman wants him to be the side’s creative spark — unlocking defences, dictating tempo, and linking midfield with attack. But Müller’s message is clear: Liverpool fans will need to be patient before they see the full version of Wirtz.
“He’s not just a talent. He’s a force and Liverpool is lucky to have him.”
It may take weeks, even months, for Wirtz to fully acclimatise. But with Müller’s backing and a track record of overcoming obstacles, there remains a quiet confidence that Liverpool’s record signing will soon show why the club fought off Bayern, Manchester City, and Real Madrid to secure his signature.
