Florian Wirtz's reaction to brutal Liverpool comments as Jamie Carragher sent message

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Germany's sporting director Rudi Voller has leapt to the defence of Florian Wirtz following a tough start to his Liverpool career since his £116million summer switch from Bayer Leverkusen. The 22-year-old midfielder is yet to find the back of the net in 16 appearances for the Reds, managing just three assists since his Anfield arrival.

Two of Wirtz's assist came as Liverpool claimed a 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League last month. His one other assist came in the Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace , while Wirtz is yet to add to this particular statistic in the Premier League .

With Wirtz currently on international duty with Germany during the November break, with World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg and Slovakia. Voller has hit back at critics who have questioned Wirtz's early performances on Merseyside, with Jamie Carragher among his biggest critics.

"That's not unusual in England, where there are many experts who feel entitled to offer very sharp criticism of players," Voller told Kolner Stadt-Anzeiger. "That's part of the game, too."

Voller added that Wirtz doesn't take much notice of the criticism: "But Florian doesn't let it get to him - we're seeing that right now with the national team - because he knows that assists and goals aren't the only indicators of quality in football. He's proven his running and playing abilities many times in the Premier League as well.

"People are currently underestimating Florian's influence on Liverpool's game, which, in general, isn't delivering what everyone expects from such a top team. But that's definitely not down to one single player."

"Florian will make his way, I have absolutely no doubt about that," Voller added. "Florian is a wonderful player, and people in England will soon see that too."

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Earlier this week, Sport Bild reported that Wirtz is 'not particularly bothered' by pundits criticising his performances for Liverpool. The German international is aiming to play a pivotal role in Liverpool's bid to get back on the winning track when the Premier League resumes on 22 November with a home game against Nottingham Forest .

Arne Slot's side are currently in eighth place in the Premier League table after their 3-0 defeat to Manchester City before the international break. Liverpool are eight points behind leaders Arsenal in the title race but are just one point behind fourth-placed Sunderland with Champions League qualification likely to be the main target for the rest of the campaign.