14.10.2025 14:25
Galatasaray's star footballer İlkay Gündoğan defended Florian Wirtz, who has been criticized in England for his performance. The experienced midfielder stated, "Those who say Wirtz is failing do not understand football. Goals and assists will come soon."
Florian Wirtz, who transferred from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool for 125 million euros, has not been able to create the expected impact in his first period in the Premier League. The 22-year-old star, who has only made 1 assist, has been harshly criticized by the English press.
However, Galatasaray's experienced midfielder İlkay Gündoğan defended the young player, deeming the criticisms unfair.
"IT WAS CLEAR THAT A NOISY ENVIRONMENT WOULD BE CREATED"
Speaking to the German newspaper Bild, İlkay Gündoğan stated, "It was clear that a noisy environment would be created in England due to the 125 million euros paid for Florian Wirtz. Unfortunately, this is now the mechanism of football. When expectations are high, there is no patience left."
"HE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS PRICE"
İlkay emphasized that Wirtz is unfairly blamed for the criticisms, saying, "He has no fault in the fact that his transfer fee is so high. His contributions on the field should not only be measured by goals and assists. There is no player in the Premier League who creates more chances than him. Analyses need to be conducted more deeply."
"THOSE WHO DO NOT SEE WIRTZ'S QUALITY DO NOT UNDERSTAND FOOTBALL"
The Galatasaray player harshly criticized those who do not see Wirtz's potential. İlkay said, "To say that Florian Wirtz is a failed transfer is very exaggerated. Those who cannot see Wirtz's extraordinary quality do not understand football. I am sure that goals and assists will come very soon."
"IT'S JUST A MATTER OF TIME"
The 34-year-old star stated, "Florian is someone with the character to get through this period with his tremendous talent. This process is also very important for the German National Team. His success is just a matter of time."
WIRTZ'S PERFORMANCE
Florian Wirtz, whose current market value is shown as 140 million euros, has only been able to produce 1 assist in the 10 matches he has played in a Liverpool jersey.