Arne Slot, Liverpool's manager, has attributed Florian Wirtz's improved form to a growing understanding with his teammates and the work he has put in at the gym. Wirtz, who arrived at Anfield from Bayer Leverkusen in June 2025 for a club-record fee of approximately £100 million plus bonuses, initially struggled to adapt to the Premier League.

Slot highlighted Wirtz's dedication and the importance of consistent playing time for adaptation. Despite initial doubts and criticism, Slot maintained faith in the 22-year-old German international, continuing to field him regularly. Slot's patience is now paying off, with Wirtz becoming an integral part of Liverpool's midfield.

Wirtz's slow start saw him go without a goal or assist in his first 12 Premier League appearances. This led to criticism, with some questioning whether his creative flair would translate to the physicality of the English game. However, since a 2-1 win against Tottenham on December 20, 2025, Wirtz has been involved in more goals than any other Premier League player in all competitions, with six goals and three assists.

Slot emphasized that Wirtz's improvement isn't solely down to on-the-ball contributions but also his work off the ball. He noted a significant improvement in Wirtz's work ethic and tactical understanding, which is crucial for success in the Premier League. Slot believes this combination of on-the-ball talent and off-the-ball work rate has made Wirtz ready for the Premier League.

"Maybe now he has a better connection with his teammates because he played more and more together," said Slot. "That's also what you get if you play them more and more together. But off the ball I see the biggest improvement with him and with some others."

Wirtz's recent performances have not only silenced his critics but also vindicated former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who foresaw the pressure Wirtz would face following his high-profile transfer. Klopp acknowledged Wirtz's immense talent and potential to elevate any team.

Looking ahead, Liverpool faces Manchester City, a crucial match to gauge their progress. While Liverpool is currently 14 points behind league leaders Arsenal, the game against City presents an opportunity to assess the team's development and Wirtz's continued integration into the squad.

Wirtz's journey from early-season struggles to becoming a key player exemplifies the importance of patience, hard work, and a supportive environment in helping young talents flourish in a new league. His growing connection with his teammates and his dedication to improving all aspects of his game have been instrumental in his recent success.