Berbatov Sensationally Bets on Wirtz: Liverpool's Next Modric, With a Little Patience

Berbatov's Endorsement and Wirtz's Modric-esque Potential

Former Bulgarian star Dimitar Berbatov, a Manchester United legend, defends Liverpool's young forward Florian Wirtz, insisting he will become one of the Premier League's top talents despite a rocky start with the Reds.

Wirtz arrived at Liverpool in the recent summer transfer window from Bayer Leverkusen for a hefty fee, but he has yet to establish himself, contributing two decisive assists without a goal.

Berbatov, who scored 54 goals in four seasons with Manchester United, said on his former teammate Rio Ferdinand's YouTube show: "I love this player, he is incredibly talented. Trust me, it will be wonderful."

He added, "I hope he shows patience, and that he is surrounded by good people—an agent, family, or others. The most important thing is for the coach to recognize his quality as everyone does. I'm sure everyone appreciates his talent and will give him time to settle. I am sure he will be successful."

Berbatov did not stop at praise; he drew a comparison with Luka Modric, the Croatian legend still delivering top performances at forty with Milan.

The elegant striker added, "The way Wirtz sees football, how he seeks space, and positions himself with intelligence, his precise touches, improvisation, and his view of passing and goals—all remind me of Modric."

He continued, "Maybe some will say his physique isn't suited to the Premier League, but we've seen players like Modric, who isn't built big, become true football monsters. So give him time; Liverpool will be amazed."

Berbatov linked his own journey to Wirtz's, saying: "I went through the same when I moved to Leverkusen. In the beginning, things didn't go well, I needed patience. Then when I moved to Tottenham in England, the situation was similar: a new environment, new people, a different language—everything was new."

He added, "I often thought of going back, but the other voice whispered: no, don't, remember Leverkusen. Be patient, you have the quality; you deserve to be here. You pursued the change, be stubborn, and keep working—the things won't just fall into your lap."

Berbatov philosophically noted, "People always want to return to their safe place, but you must have the drive and ambition to overcome fear. In my case, ambition was bigger than fear."

And it seems Wirtz has already started recapturing the form that made him one of Germany's brightest talents: he produced two excellent chances in Liverpool's 5-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League last week.

Until that match, Wirtz hadn't scored or assisted in the league, amid Liverpool's struggles under Dutch coach Arne Slot, who had six defeats in seven games across all competitions.

On Wednesday night, Liverpool exited the Carabao Cup after losing to Crystal Palace, a match Slot used to field a largely youth-heavy lineup, giving the team’s core stars—especially Wirtz—rest ahead of the crucial league clash with Aston Villa on Saturday.

"Time will show his worth" Berbatov asserted, stressing that Wirtz has the elements to become one of Liverpool's best in the near future. He said, "I know expectations are high, and the price tag was big, but that doesn't mean success must come instantly. Great players adapt gradually, as I did and as many others did."

He concluded: "Wirtz has talent, vision, creativity, and football intelligence that can't be coached away. If placed in the right environment, he will astonish everyone at Anfield."

With those words, Berbatov offered a strong endorsement of the German youngster, believing patience and public support are the keys to his success, just as it was for him during his arduous ascent to Premier League stardom.

Punchline time: If patience paid wages, Wirtz would already be planning a vacation home on the Kop. And remember: in football, talent gets you in the door, patience keeps you at the table—Anfield serves seconds, not excuses.