Former Liverpool striker Fernando Morientes believes Florian Wirtz could benefit from a reunion with Xabi Alonso, drawing on his own experience of struggling to settle at Anfield.
Fernando Morientes has suggested Florian Wirtz may eventually need a change of scenery if he is unable to rediscover his best form at Liverpool, with the former Reds striker believing a reunion with Xabi Alonso could suit the German midfielder.
REUTERS/Kai PfaffenbachWirtz has been linked with Chelsea in recent weeks following Alonso’s appointment at Stamford Bridge, although Liverpool have given no indication they are prepared to part ways with one of their biggest investments.
The Germany international endured a mixed first season at Anfield after arriving from Bayer Leverkusen, but remains a central figure in Andoni Iraola’s plans heading into the new campaign.
Morientes, however, believes the environment around a player can often determine whether they succeed.
Morientes reflects on his own Liverpool spell
Speaking to Reviant, the former Spain international compared Wirtz’s situation to his own time on Merseyside.
“I’ll put this in the context of something similar that happened to me, I’d played for Madrid, done well, gone to Monaco, done well, and yet when I went to Liverpool I never found my best version.
Morientes admitted he quickly recognised Liverpool was not the right fit for him before moving to Valencia.
“I realised that maybe that wasn’t the right place for me.
“I needed to find my best version, and I needed the team and the coach around me to suit my style.”
The striker believes that decision revitalised his career, allowing him to rediscover both his confidence and goalscoring touch.
Alonso reunion suggested
Morientes feels Wirtz could benefit from working under Alonso again if Liverpool are unable to get the best from the attacking midfielder.
“I think he himself probably realises he’s not quite in the right context.
“Xabi Alonso’s interest is very interesting because Alonso got performances out of him before, he understands him and he can build a team designed around him.”
Despite that, Morientes acknowledged any potential transfer would be far from straightforward.
He believes Liverpool would inevitably demand a substantial fee but questioned whether Chelsea would be prepared to match such an asking price.
Author’s View: Liverpool remain committed
While Morientes has offered his opinion, there has been no suggestion from Liverpool that Wirtz is available for transfer.
The 23-year-old remains one of the club’s most talented attacking players and is expected to have a significant role under Iraola this season.
Having now completed his first year in English football, Liverpool will instead hope a second campaign brings the consistency many supporters believe Wirtz is capable of producing.
For now, Morientes’ comments represent one former player’s perspective rather than any indication of Liverpool’s plans.
