Markus Babbel assures Liverpool fans they will see a 'top-class' player at Anfield next season. This follows the signing of Florian Wirtz for ÂŁ116m, who has had a mixed first season with seven goals in 46 appearances.
Markus Babbel promises Liverpool fans theyâll be seeing a âtop-classâ player at Anfield next season
Markus Babbel has promised Liverpool fans that theyâll be seeing a âtop-classâ player at Anfield next season.
A quarter of a century on from the Germanâs arrival on Merseyside, the Reds signed his compatriot Florian Wirtz last summer in a ÂŁ116m deal, with the 22-year-old coming to England with vast expectations being placed upon him.
Heâs shown flashes of brilliance in his first season with LFC, although a return of just seven goals from 46 appearances seems underwhelming for a playmaker of his abilities.
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Speaking to Get German Football News, Babbel empathised with his fellow countryman over the difficulties of adapting to the Premier League and is convinced that Liverpool fans will begin to see the best of their number 7 from next term.
The 53-year-old said:Â
Markus Babbel referred to Florian Wirtz as the 'top-class' player expected to shine at Liverpool next season.
Florian Wirtz was signed by Liverpool for a record transfer fee of ÂŁ116 million.
Florian Wirtz scored seven goals in 46 appearances during his first season with Liverpool.
Florian Wirtz comes to Liverpool with vast expectations due to his potential as a playmaker.
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âTheyâre kicking you. Theyâre trying to do everything they can to stop him from bringing his skills onto the pitch. Of course, it took a while. I would say it took until December or the beginning of January, but then he started to perform.
âItâs been a bit unlucky for him because at Liverpool, the whole team is struggling. I think in the statistics, heâs high in the standings for chances created, but because the team is underperforming and heâs one of the most expensive signings behind Alexander Isak, thereâs an expectation that heâll score 15 goals and get 30 assists. This is the mindset of the supporters, but itâs not so easy for him.
âI still believe that Liverpool will have a lot of fun with him because he is a fantastic player. The first season is, of course, not the best. He can play better, but thereâs been a big improvement from him, and heâs learnt a lot. Next season youâll see a top-class Florian Wirtz.â
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In truth, the Germany playmaker hasnât had the impact that many wouldâve expected from a player of his talents and transfer fee, but at times this season heâs definitely shown that heâs capable of pure brilliance on a football pitch.
The most recent example of that was his exquisite half-volley finish to round off Liverpoolâs 3-1 win over Crystal Palace last Saturday, quite a way to end a three-month wait for a goal.
The 22-year-old has been criticised in some quarters over the past few months for his perceived lack of physicality in the Premier League, and that has been apparent in some matches, but itâs more than compensated by his dazzling ability with the ball at his feet.
Babbel knows all about going from the German top flight to its English equivalent, and although the nuances of football have changed considerably since 2000, we donât doubt that Wirtz will adapt to the rigours of playing in England.
Hopefully the ex-Liverpool defenderâs prophecy that our number 7 will reach a âtop-classâ level next season will prove accurate!