Liverpool sent strong message over Florian Wirtz after 'difficult' season - 'I was shocked'

Wirtz

Florian Wirtz has been backed to make the "next step" at Liverpool after coming to terms with life in the Premier League.

Wirtz experienced an inconsistent first campaign with the Reds following his arrival last summer from Bayer Leverkusen in a £116million deal, registering seven goals and 10 assists.

The 23-year-old attacking midfielder will be part of Germany's squad for the forthcoming World Cup and was a goalscorer in the 4-0 friendly win against Finland in Mainz on Sunday.

And former Germany international Steffen Freund - who had a Premier League career with Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City - is convinced Wirtz can learn from his experience of his debut season at Anfield.

Steffen Freund

"I think the first year is always difficult, especially when you move to Liverpool as thePremier Leaguechampions,"

"The pressure was already there and it’s a big traditional club. He was outstanding for Leverkusen and of course for Germany.

"I would say if he’s not injured again, then he will take the next step next season. Especially if he’s adapted to the pace of the Premier League and the physical presence, because it’s a higher level than the Bundesliga.

"It was the same at my time. I was shocked in the beginning because there’s so much energy in every game. At 2-0 up, you think the job’s done. But no, five or 10 minutes later, it’s 2-2. So that’s why it’s taken a little bit more time for him to adapt."

Freund added: "Maybe Liverpool will sign one or two big players so that it’s not only Florian Wirtz who will have to make a difference on the pitch.

“I’m sure he will go to the next step. And then everyone will love him because he could be a top-class player. His ability and skill is why I still believe in him."