Xabi Alonso has expressed full confidence that Florian Wirtz will succeed at Liverpool, highlighting the Germany international’s impact at Bayer Leverkusen.
Alonso, now the head coach of Real Madrid, said he wouldn’t have reached his current position without Wirtz’s contributions during their time at Leverkusen.
Both Alonso and Wirtz were among Leverkusen’s most high-profile departures last summer.
Alonso took over from Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid around the same time Liverpool completed a £116m deal to sign the attacking midfielder.
While Florian Wirtz has yet to make a major impact in English football, remaining without a goal or assist in the league so far, Alonso insists the 22-year-old is a “special player” who will eventually demonstrate his quality at Anfield.
“Yes, for sure,” Alonso said.
“I have no doubts. It is just a matter of time. For sure it is a big change for him to come to Liverpool after so many years in Germany, he’s been there all his life. And a few years in Leverkusen.
“He needs to adapt but he is a really special player. He has quality and personality and he’s competitive, so when he makes that trick, it has happened with great players in the Premier League before and I’ve no doubts with Flo.
“He is very special and probably one of the reasons I’m here now, is because of Flo, so I’m very grateful to Flo.
“Hopefully not tomorrow but I’ve no doubt he will show his quality and class.”
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