Florian Wirtz could face mounting pressure at Liverpool if he fails to hit the ground running when the new Premier League season begins, former Reds midfielder Dietmar Hamann has warned.
The £116 million signing had an inconsistent first season at Anfield, although his recent pre-season displays have offered plenty of encouragement. Wirtz found the net against Leeds United, showcasing the creativity and quality that persuaded Liverpool to make such a major investment in the German international.
Despite those positive signs, Hamann believes the pressure surrounding Wirtz could escalate rapidly if he struggles once competitive action resumes.
Speaking to TribalFootball, the former Liverpool midfielder suggested that questions over whether Anfield is the right environment for Wirtz could surface as early as the first international break if his performances fall short.
Hamann warned that the situation could become “very hot very quickly,” placing even greater scrutiny on the 23-year-old because of his huge transfer fee.
Wirtz must also adapt to a new era at Liverpool under manager Andoni Iraola following Arne Slot’s departure. Hamann believes Iraola should not be expected to immediately deliver a title challenge, but instead focus on stabilising the squad, improving performances and showing clear progress.
In his view, securing a top-four finish would represent a successful first season for the new Liverpool boss.
With the Premier League campaign approaching, Wirtz has a major opportunity to answer his critics on the pitch. His technical ability and creativity remain key strengths, but expectations will naturally be enormous after Liverpool invested so heavily in him.
Iraola’s first competitive test comes away to Newcastle, where both manager and player will begin their new chapter. For Wirtz, making an immediate impact could be crucial in helping Liverpool succeed while preventing speculation over his future from dominating the headlines.
