Former Ajax and Inter Milan star Wesley Sneijder has voiced concern over Florian Wirtz’s slow start to life at Liverpool, saying the German midfielder is struggling to adapt to the demands of the Premier League.

Wirtz, who joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer for £116 million, has endured a difficult beginning at Anfield. The 22-year-old has yet to record a single goal or assist in 11 Premier League appearances, a statistic that highlights his struggles since making the switch from the Bundesliga.

The highly rated playmaker arrived with big expectations after a stellar campaign in Germany, but Sneijder believes his situation reflects a common challenge for players moving from the Bundesliga or Eredivisie to England’s top flight.

Speaking to AdventureGamers.com, Sneijder explained:

“I always say this about players with the German or Dutch mentality — it’s the same. You can play well in your own country, but you can have problems adapting elsewhere. I see the same thing happening now with Florian Wirtz.”

Sneijder said Wirtz must quickly adjust to life on Merseyside if he wants to succeed.

“He felt comfortable in Germany, he was in the right spot. But now he’s made a big step, and that’s difficult because at big clubs, you don’t have time to adapt — you already need to be there.
If you come as a big star, you have to show immediately why they signed you. If you don’t, they stop caring.”

Wirtz’s difficulties come at a turbulent time for Liverpool, who have slipped eight points behind league leaders Arsenal and fallen below rivals Manchester United in the table. Manager Arne Slot is under pressure to revive both his team’s form and Wirtz’s confidence if Liverpool are to reignite their title hopes before the Christmas break.

Despite his slow start, Wirtz remains a long-term investment for the club. Having signed a five-year contract, the young German is expected to play a central role in Slot’s project — though, for now, the midfielder finds himself under intense scrutiny as he tries to live up to his record-breaking price tag.