EXCLUSIVE: 'That moment made me think this league is different,' Liverpool's Florian Wirtz

Having made a blockbuster €140 million move from Bayer Leverkusen to Anfield, Florian Wirtz has had a tricky start to life at Anfield and in the Premier League. Widely regarded as one of Europe’s most gifted creative attackers, the 22-year-old Germany international arrived at Liverpool on the back of a standout spell in Bundesliga, where his freedom, intelligence and ability to control games marked him out as a generational talent.

In the 29 games he's played at Liverpool across competitions, he's scored four goals and provided seven assists.Before the eventual move to the Merseyside, there was interest also from Bayern Munich. But Wirtz’s decision to embrace the Premier League underlines both his ambition and belief in Liverpool’s long-term vision.In this wide-ranging exclusive conversation with TimesofIndia.com, facilitated by JioHotstar, Wirtz reflects on the pull of Liverpool’s history, the challenge of meeting sky-high expectations, and the clarity provided by the manager’s plans for the team. Excerpts:Q. Liverpool are one of the most iconic football clubs in the world with a strong history. Expectations were also sky-high. What attracted you to the club when there was also interest from Bayern Munich, which would have kept you in Germany?Florian Wirtz: Liverpool's immense stature as a club first and foremost. The team that clinched the Premier League last year. Above all, the manager's vision convinced me.

Q. At Leverkusen, you were given freedom to drift and dictate games. How different has the tactical demand been at Liverpool, and what part of your game have you had to rethink the most?Wirtz: Tactics aren't much different from the Bundesliga or Germany duty.

In-game, it's the physicality I need to adapt to most.Q. Liverpool fans have seen creative attackers come and go. What do you believe sets you apart from others?Wirtz: They've had many great midfielders. I just focus on giving my best on the pitch. I don't know what sets me apart—whether I do better or they did. I simply want to play my game and achieve success with the club.

Q. The Premier League is less forgiving physically. Was there a specific moment or opponent that made you realise, 'This league is different'?Wirtz: Probably the first Newcastle game. It was wildly intense — the early red card, endless long balls, two-footed tackles, everything.

The crowd went berserk. That moment made me think, 'This league is different from the Bundesliga.’Q. You’re still young, but already central to both club and country plans. How do you personally measure success as a footballer — numbers, trophies, or influence on big games?Wirtz: I don't measure success in specific terms. I focus on delivering my best performance wherever I am — at Liverpool or with the national team—to be vital for the squad and drive achievements. Trophies matter ultimately, as you tally them up, but right now, I prioritise winning them.Tune-in: Catch all the action from the Premier League, LIVE & Exclusive on Star Sports Network and JioHotstar.