"Playmaker Wirtz has faced criticism since joining in a high-profile deal from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, contributing no goals, and two assists, in 13 appearances so far in the Premier League and Champions League. Former Liverpool player Alonso -- who coached Wirtz for three seasons at Leverkusen, including winning the 2024 Bundesliga title -- returns to Anfield on Tuesday, in charge of Real Madrid. "I have no doubts, it's just a matter of time," Alonso said in a pre-match news conference on Monday, when asked about Wirtz. "It's a big chance for him, coming to Liverpool after so many years in Germany, and being there his whole life.""
"Wirtz was a key player for Alonso's Leverkusen, scoring 11 goals and providing 11 assists in the Bundesliga in 2023-24, and then 10 goals and 12 assist in 2024-25. "He needs to adapt, but he's a really special player," Alonso said. "He's competitive. One of the reasons I am here is because of Flo. Hopefully not tomorrow, but I hope soon he'll show his quality and his class.""
""He's fine, he didn't play the other day [against Valencia] with the context of the game but he's available," Alonso said. "Tomorrow, he could play ... We need him. Trent has great quality. It's a new stage for him. We have to help him perform. He's an exceptional player.""
Xabi Alonso backed Florian Wirtz to succeed at Liverpool, saying it is 'just a matter of time' as the playmaker adapts after a high-profile £116 million move from Bayer Leverkusen. Wirtz has failed to score and has two assists in 13 Premier League and Champions League appearances, prompting criticism. Alonso, who coached Wirtz for three seasons and won the 2024 Bundesliga title, highlighted Wirtz's prior seasons of double-figure goals and assists and called him competitive and special. Alonso also confirmed Trent Alexander-Arnold is available for Real Madrid despite an injury-disrupted start, urging support to help him perform.
Read at ESPN.com
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