Markus Babbel promises Liverpool fans they’ll be seeing a ‘top-class’ player at Anfield next season

“They’re kicking you. They’re 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.

“It’s been a bit unlucky for him because at Liverpool, the whole team is struggling. I think in the statistics, he’s high in the standings for chances created, but because the team is underperforming and he’s one of the most expensive signings behind Alexander Isak, there’s an expectation that he’ll score 15 goals and get 30 assists. This is the mindset of the supporters, but it’s not so easy for him.

“I 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 there’s been a big improvement from him, and he’s learnt a lot. Next season you’ll see a top-class Florian Wirtz.”

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There’s still a lot more to come from Wirtz

In truth, the Germany playmaker hasn’t had the impact that many would’ve expected from a player of his talents and transfer fee, but at times this season he’s definitely shown that he’s capable of pure brilliance on a football pitch.

The most recent example of that was his exquisite half-volley finish to round off Liverpool’s 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 it’s 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 don’t doubt that Wirtz will adapt to the rigours of playing in England.

Hopefully the ex-Liverpool defender’s prophecy that our number 7 will reach a ‘top-class’ level next season will prove accurate!