OPINIONS SPLIT ON WIRTZ'S WORTH TO REDS

Nagelsmann, Klopp expect lovely moments; Carragher, Neville say he's not at the races

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Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann on Oct 12 backed under-fire Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz to shine in the English Premier League.

Speaking in Belfast ahead of Germany's 2026 World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland on Oct 13, Nagelsmann said Wirtz's teething problems were "normal".

"I have no concerns. He'll adapt very quickly and score goals for Liverpool," the 38-year-old added.

"He'll create a lot of lovely moments at Anfield. Even though he hasn't scored any goals, he is still the player who creates the most chances in the Premier League."

According to Opta statistics, no player has created more chances than Wirtz (21) in the Premier League this season.

"It's not his fault if his teammates don't convert them, and the statistics don't even tell the whole story." Nagelsmann said.

"Wirtz needs to get used to the league. I saw him playing with total freedom. He knows what he's capable of and how things work.

"He hasn't always had it easy - he'll have to work hard now too."

Wirtz has no goals and no assists in nine Premier League and Champions League matches, since joining Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer for £100 million (S$173 million).