Steffen Freund backs Wirtz to take 'next step' at Liverpool under incoming Iraola

Florian Wirtz is expected to make a significant leap in his second season at Liverpool, according to former Germany international Steffen Freund, as the club prepares for Andoni Iraola to take over as head coach.

Wirtz, 23, joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in a £116 million deal last summer but produced an inconsistent debut campaign under Arne Slot, contributing seven goals and 10 assists in the Premier League. Freund, who played in England with Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City, believes the adjustment period is now behind the German midfielder.

“I think the first year is always difficult, especially when you move to Liverpool as the Premier League champions,” Freund said. “The pressure was already there and it’s a big traditional club. He was outstanding for Leverkusen and of course for Germany.”

Freund drew on his own experience of arriving in English football to explain the challenge Wirtz faced. “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.”

He added: “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.”

Freund also suggested Liverpool’s summer transfer activity could ease the burden on Wirtz. “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.”

Wirtz is currently on international duty with Germany ahead of the World Cup and scored in a 4-0 friendly win over Finland in Mainz on Sunday. He is set to feature again in Saturday’s friendly against the United States.

The World Cup will also serve as an extended audition under his new club manager. Iraola, who left Bournemouth at the end of last season, arrived on Merseyside to complete his paperwork and is set to be confirmed as Slot’s successor at Anfield imminently.