Former Premier League defender Joleon Lescott has voiced doubts about Florian Wirtz’s early impact at Liverpool, suggesting the club would “take a refund” on their £116 million summer signing if such an option were possible.
Speaking on In The Mixer, brought to you by Sky Bet, Lescott said: “I’m not convinced. If Liverpool could get their money back at the end of the season, they would do it. Listen, we can’t judge him solely on the games he’s played, but he should have had an impact on one of those games.”
Wirtz, 22, arrived from Bayer Leverkusen in one of the most expensive transfers in the club’s history. Despite showing promise in the Community Shield with an assist, he has yet to score or create a goal in the Premier League.
Lescott pointed to the Burnley match as a key example, saying attacking players must influence games when their team needs a breakthrough.
“I would have liked to have seen that by now,” he added. “There haven’t been enough of those moments yet.”However, Jurgen Klopp, Wirtz’s compatriot and former Liverpool manager, has defended the youngster, describing the criticism as overblown.
“I don’t have to worry about Florian Wirtz because his quality is so outstanding. Of course, everything is fine, and everyone knows that,” Klopp said.
Current boss Arne Slot continues to back the German midfielder, who has created several chances despite his limited goal contributions, believing consistency will soon translate into tangible results.