Alonso credits exceptional Wirtz for aiding his appointment at Real Madrid

Xabi Alonso explained that his appointment as Real Madrid manager was partly due to Florian Wirtz, and he holds "no doubts" that the German star will soon begin performing for Liverpool.

Alonso and Wirtz together broke Bayern Munichs dominance in the Bundesliga while at Bayer Leverkusen, securing a German league and cup double in 2023/24 without a single defeat.

This achievement positioned Alonso as the top choice to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this year.

Wirtz turned down interest from Bayern to join Liverpool in a £100 million ($131 million) transfer in June.

Yet, the 22-year-old has found it challenging to cope with the intense physical demands of the Premier League.

Wirtz has not scored for the Reds so far and has been benched for three of Liverpool's most recent four league matches.

Alonso and Wirtz will face each other for the first time since departing Germany when Madrid visit Liverpool in the Champions League on Tuesday.

"I have no doubts it may only take time," stated Alonso, who spent five years playing for Liverpool from 2004 to 2009.

"Moving here after years in Germany represents a major shift for him, requiring adaptation, but he possesses truly remarkable talent.

"He brings the skill, the character, the drive...I hold no reservations about Flo. 

"He proved so vital and played a key role in why I am at this club. I owe him thanks, and while not ideally tomorrow, we anticipate him displaying his talent and brilliance."

Trent Alexander-Arnold has also had a difficult beginning after transferring to Madrid from Liverpool.

The England player has not appeared for the 15-time European winners in almost two months, sidelined by a hamstring injury and Alonso's choice of Federico Valverde at right-back since his recovery.

"He boasts impressive attributes," Alonso continued. "This marks a fresh chapter for him both athletically and in terms of physical and mental demands.

"We must support him to reach peak performance, as he remains an outstanding talent."

Madrid rank among five teams with an unblemished record from their initial three Champions League fixtures, whereas Liverpool occupy 10th place in the 36-team standings, trailing the frontrunners by three points.