“I think he plays very, very good football”: Germany team-mate defends Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz against criticism

Kai Havertz has publicly backed Liverpool's Florian Wirtz, his Germany team-mate.

"I know how the English press reports on things from time to time," Havertz told Sky. "I think he's also playing very, very good football this season," he added. Wirtz has faced frequent criticism in England since his €125 million move from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool in the summer of 2025.

Havertz highlighted the 23-year-old's contribution: "He's involved in the game, creates chances for his team-mates and poses a threat himself," he said. Wirtz has two goals and five assists for the Reds in all competitions this season. "I've seen very, very many good games from him over the past year and a half. For me, he's one of the best players I've ever played with," said Havertz, who, like Wirtz, has a past at Leverkusen.

For Havertz, the regular criticism of Wirtz has one explanation: "We live in a world where many, many people don't actually watch the matches, but then go on the app and see: 'No goal, no assist, so he must have played badly,'" he said. Some have already called on Liverpool to let Wirtz go, a view Havertz cannot understand. "He'll definitely find his way and become a huge player for Liverpool," he said.

The Germany international has established himself as a regular in Arsenal's attack. He has four goals and one assist in 15 competitive appearances this season for the champions of England, who once again lead the Premier League table comfortably.