Liverpool stand second in the English Premier League following their recent dip in form against Crystal Palace and Chelsea. The Reds started the season on a bad note as Arne Slot lost the FA Community Shield to the Eagles.
However, the Merseysiders bounced back as Slot’s men went on to win seven games in a row across all competitions. Despite their follow-up after the Community Shield loss, one man has always been under scrutiny since the start of the season.
Florian Wirtz joined Liverpool for £116m as the German spent a successful time at Bayer Leverkusen. A big price tag meant even higher expectations as Wirtz started life in Merseyside.
The German international did assist against Palace in the Community Shield game, but has since become quiet. Despite his 10 appearances, the assist remains his only contribution to the club this season.
Florian Wirtz training impression
Florian Wirtz has only made one goal contribution at Liverpool so far (Credits: Imago Images)
Even though his form on the Isles has been questionable, he did make the German team for the international break. Being a regular in the Die Nationalelf at the age of 22, his selection wasn’t surprising.
The only goal Wirtz scored this season has been with the national team. He scored a free kick against Northern Ireland, and Julian Nagelsmann will be hoping to see the playmaker’s magic again against Luxembourg and the Green and White Army.
Following the struggles, BILD reported that Wirtz was staying longer on the pitch during the international camp. Teammate David Raum had some inspiring words to say about the attacker as Raum expressed belief in the 22-year-old’s potential.
“The boy is hardworking and shows energy on and off the pitch. He was once again one of the longest players on the pitch today. We believe in the boy, we’re building him up here. But he also knows what he’s capable of.”
Community-wide criticism
Understandably, Wirtz will need some time to settle down at Anfield. However, the football punditry community hasn’t been empathetic towards the German.
Wayne Rooney rated Dominik Szoboszlai over Wirtz as the former Manchester United attacker talked about Liverpool’s form on the Wayne Rooney Show.
“So, is he a third midfield player? For me, no, he’s more of an attacking player. So if I have to choose between him and Szoboszlai, then I choose Szoboszlai.”
Jamie Carragher was a bit more lenient, pointing towards Alexis Mac Allister’s role. The former Reds defender claimed that the Argentine hasn’t been at his best, affecting Wirtz’s contribution at Anfield.
“I think another problem for Liverpool and for Wirtz is that Mac Allister hasn’t been at his best. I think he’s the guy who could feed him and get him the ball between the lines.”
