Former Germany national team member Ilkay Gundogan commented on the discussions surrounding Liverpool’s young midfielder Florian Wirtz. According to him, the criticism directed at the 22-year-old German player is unfair and excessive, stemming solely from the high price of his transfer.
In an interview with “Transfer Sector,” Gundogan defended Wirtz, emphasizing that his game should be analyzed more deeply, not just through statistics.
“Florian is not to blame. His transfer cost 125 million euros, so people expect extraordinary results from him. But I’ve looked at the data — no Premier League player has created as many goal-scoring chances as Wirtz. Football can’t be judged only by goals or assists — it requires deeper analysis,” said Ilkay.
According to him, Wirtz is currently going through an adaptation phase, and his true potential hasn’t yet been fully revealed. “If someone doesn’t appreciate his play, it means they simply don’t understand football. I believe that in the coming months, Wirtz will show his real level,” Gundogan added.
For reference, Florian Wirtz has appeared in 10 matches for Liverpool this season, recording just one assist so far.
Analysts note that greater discipline and consistency under pressure are expected from the young footballer. Therefore, Gundogan’s support could serve as a significant moral boost for Wirtz.
Thus, Ilkay Gundogan’s words once again emphasize the importance of trusting young talents and giving them time to demonstrate their true abilities.
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