Last summer, Florian Wirtz stood at a career crossroads: Liverpool or Bayern Munich? The young German chose Anfield, but his first season in the Premier League hasn't quite been the headline-grabbing campaign many expected. With seven goals and 10 assists across 46 appearances, Wirtz has shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency has eluded him. Former Liverpool star Markus Babbel, however, says this was always part of the plan.

"It's a different league," Babbel explains. "When I came to England, I had the same problem. It's a different sport—faster, harder, and packed with top players who won't show you any respect, no matter your name. They'll kick you, they'll do everything to stop you from playing your game. For Wirtz, it took until December or January to find his rhythm, but then he started to perform." Babbel is confident the best is yet to come: "Liverpool will have a lot of fun with him. The first season isn't his best, but he's improved massively and learned a lot. Next season, you'll see a top-class Florian Wirtz."

With the World Cup on the horizon this summer, Wirtz has a chance to reset and build momentum. Yet, it's hard not to wonder: how different would things look if he had chosen Bayern Munich instead? For the player, and for both clubs, that alternate path remains a tantalizing "what if." For now, Liverpool fans can only wait—and hope—that the real Wirtz is just around the corner.