Overview

• Danny Murphy says Wirtz’s main hurdle is adjusting to the Premier League’s speed and physicality, which he argues only improves with sustained game time.
• Murphy also cites shifting roles and changing teammates — alternating between Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak up front with mixed midfield pairings — as factors disrupting cohesion.
• Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann publicly backed Wirtz before facing Northern Ireland, noting Opta data that he has created a league‑high 21 chances and insisting he simply needs time.
• Since assisting Ekitike at Wembley, Wirtz has been used as a No.10 and out wide, and his omission from the Chelsea starting XI heightened scrutiny of his role.
• Emile Heskey urges patience, acknowledging the pressure of the price tag and warning that Arne Slot is still calibrating the attacking setup despite brighter early returns from other signings.