Ram Column: Newcastle s signing of Waltermad is a gamble, Liverpool won t care about Wilz s value

September 15th News Today, German legend Ram wrote a column in the Guardian, talking about the transfers of Wilz and Waltermad. The full text of the

column is as follows↓

What abilities must a football player with a net worth of 80 million euros, 100 million euros or even higher have and prove what? He should show great potential from the age of 17 to 20; have a clear position on the court; be one of the five most important players on the team; maintain a stable performance for many years; prove himself in international competitions; and have a strong body. This applies to almost all players worth in this range: Mbappe, Neymar, Ronaldo, Haaland, Bellingham and Dembele.

Two German players entered the Premier League this summer with such a value. One of them met these criteria, and Wilz's career was amazing. He attracted the attention of football as a teenager, and it was only a matter of time before he could break through the peak. When he turned 17, Werz made his mark in the Bundesliga and quickly became a core player. He was selected for the German national team at the age of 18 and became the decisive figure in Leverkusen's first league championship in history at the age of 20.

Every time you appear, you can see how Wilz interprets his No. 10 role. He resolves difficulties and creates opportunities. As a team player who dedicates his personal talents to the collective, he is the most reliable combat power of his coaches and teammates. He chose his new owner for sports competition reasons, and Premier League champion Liverpool introduced him specifically to stabilize the lineup.

It takes time to integrate into the team, especially for players who can change the situation. At present, he is gradually adapting to the rhythm and intensity of the Premier League, building confidence by taking early shots and gradually trying to pass bolder. When he played against Arsenal, he showed teamwork in the first half and shined his personal talent in the second half: he made a sharp pass, and his right foot stopped perfectly in the penalty area and scored with his left foot. The team became stronger and eventually won because of him, and Wiltz's traits are becoming increasingly prominent in Anfield.

Waltermad's situation is different. He was 23 years old, only one year older than Werz, but he was not a first-team player until he scored twice against Heidenheim nine months ago. When Wilz led Leverkusen to win the double championship, Waltermad was on loan to the German League C. His Champions League performance is still unknown (Stuttgart did not register it last season) and has not yet scored a goal against the strong team (the most important goal is Bielefeld of the Cup final against Germany C). He almost lacks record support: although he won the Golden Boot this summer, he is already an older player in the senior lineup, and top players such as Yamal, Bellingham, Musiara and Werz have long surpassed the level of this event.

Waltermad is unpredictable, his dribbling, passing and shooting are contrary to textbook norms, full of uniqueness and no international reference. Unlike other top players, his focus is rarely at the core of the action. He thrives with his free spirit and confidence, and seems to want to redefine the No. 9 position. But he has not yet formed stability or pattern, whether it is stopping, cooperating, heading or shooting. His goals are not the inevitable result of excellent action skills, and his outstanding performance cannot be replicated. He still needs to prove that he can withstand the intensity of 50 games in the season because his height is advantageous but not strong enough.

Newcastle paid 85 million euros (73.5 million pounds) for Walter Mad was therefore a gamble. For the players, this new contract is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He wanted to join Bayern, but someone paid the offer and then transferred to his team. Saudi bosses and club management have first entered this field, making mistakes and superstitious miracles in the gold rush atmosphere.

This is the essential difference between the two transfers: Liverpool has built a successful team through the principle of selection, and Anfield doesn't care about Wilz's 125 million euros, because they understand that this is a top sports business, whose market value can only be compared with art, film or pop music, and has nothing to do with club life and charity. When investments follow strategies, paid fans will accept them.

Under Slot's careful guidance, Liverpool is raising a wonderful career worth participating in, and I fully understand the reason why Wilz was convinced. I experienced similar processes in Bayern from 2010 to 2017 and the German team from 2004 to 2014: the two teams experienced a long transformation through signings or new players, and finally achieved the sublimation of the overall greater than the sum of the parts. This spirit of community has benefited me for life and Wiltz will now experience a similar journey at least at the club level. Will Liverpool become a truly great team? Will he be the last puzzle? As a fan, I am full of expectations and agree with it happily.