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Wesley Sneijder worries for Liverpool's Wirtz: 'You don't have the time to adapt'

Florian Wirtz has failed to make a big impact at Liverpool so far
Florian Wirtz has failed to make a big impact at Liverpool so farMI News / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via AFP

Former Ajax and Inter star Wesley Sneijder has spoken about Liverpool's Florian Wirtz, who he says is struggling to adapt to the Premier League.

Wirtz, Liverpool's £116m signing from Bayer Leverkusen, has looked lost since he signed for the club in the summer transfer window. The German international came from the Bundesliga, and as he tackles the step up to the Premier League, it is apparent that he will need much longer to reach the required standard. 

The midfielder is yet to register a single goal or assist after 11 games in the Premier League, in a shocking statistic that sums up his time at the club so far.

Also read: Wesley Sneijder defends Arne Slot after poor run: 'He was the king of Liverpool'

Speaking to AdventureGamers.com, Wesley Sneijder has revealed that Wirtz’s story is a common one, as the quality in the Premier League is so much higher. 

“I always say this about players with the German or Dutch mentality. It is the same," Sneijder said.

Florian Wirtz's statistics against Manchester City
Florian Wirtz's statistics against Manchester CityOpta via StatsPerform, Carl Recine / GETTY IMAGES EUROPE / Getty Images via AFP

"You can play well in your own country, but you can have problems adapting in different countries. The Dutch and the German players are like that, and I see the same happening now with Florian Wirtz."

Sneijder says Wirtz has to hurry up and make an impression on Merseyside.

“He felt comfortable in Germany. He was in the right spot. Now he made a big step, and that's difficult because at big clubs you don't have the time to adapt. You already need to be there.

“If you come to the club as a big star, then you have to show them immediately why they signed you, and if you don't show them, they don't care for you.” 

League leaders Arsenal are now eight points clear of Liverpool, who are also below rivals Manchester United, a huge fall from grace as title contenders. Manager Arne Slot must get Wirtz back to his best if he wants a shot at the title this season, something that many believe has slipped away from the club before the Christmas break. 

With a five-year deal signed at the age of 22, Wirtz is here to stay, and Slot will have a plan for the youngster who has the weight of the world on his shoulders at the moment.