Wirtz Faces Criticism Amid Liverpool Struggles

Florian Wirtz once again struggled to make an impact on Sunday, as Liverpool succumbed to their seventh defeat in the last ten games across all competitions.

Since joining Liverpool in the summer for a substantial fee, Wirtz has yet to contribute a single goal or assist in the Premier League. His performances have shown only fleeting glimpses of the talent that led the Reds to invest heavily in him, drawing considerable criticism. Notably, former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has asserted that Wirtz’s arrival has negatively affected Liverpool’s midfield dynamics.

In response, Julian Nagelsmann has come to Wirtz’s defense, emphasizing the need for patience. He stated, “Liverpool could also assist him by converting some of the opportunities he creates. The current club instability makes it more challenging for Flo to integrate. In the match against Manchester City, Liverpool was not the better team overall, which complicates his ability to make a significant impact. Ultimately, he just needs more time to adapt, which is a common experience for players transitioning to the Premier League.

“We all recognize his potential, and it’s normal for a young player to encounter fluctuations in form. Expectations shouldn’t be set for him to perform consistently at a high level over three consecutive years. Support is essential for him to regain his confidence, and it would benefit Liverpool to capitalize on the chances he generates.”

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville did not hold back his criticism of Wirtz following Liverpool’s defeat to City. On The Gary Neville Podcast, he remarked, “Wirtz is a problem. He’s over £100 million, and while I’ve previously pointed out that [Milos] Kerkez appeared inexperienced, Wirtz looked similarly outmatched today. This cannot continue.

“We have been cautious in our assessments of him due to his youth and transition to a new country, but at this price point, he must step up soon. He has undeniable talent and technical skill, yet he was physically dominated on the pitch and failed to deliver the expected quality, raising serious concerns about his performance.”

Wirtz is now with the German national team for their final two World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg and Slovakia, where he hopes to regain his form ahead of his return to Liverpool. Germany can secure the top position in Group A, ensuring automatic qualification for next year’s tournament, with two victories in these matches. Following the international break, Wirtz will rejoin Liverpool for their upcoming match against Nottingham Forest.