Liverpool lose patience waiting to see wonderkind Wirtz

Things are starting to get a little turbulent at Anfield. Liverpool’s brutal 3–0 defeat to Manchester City—a showdown between the last two Premier League champions—has sparked a wave of criticism from pundits and former players. And at the center of the storm is marquee summer signing, Florian Wirtz.

The $160 million signing has yet to score a single goal for the Reds.

“It’s a problem. A few weeks ago I said that Kerkez looked like a little kid on the field, and today I feel the same way about Wirtz.”

Gary Neville, ex-player, on Florian Wirtz.

Looks like “a lost kid”

Wirtz’s struggles are especially painful given how close he came to joining Manchester City last season. He even met with Pep Guardiola, who pitched his vision for the club. But City backed out, reportedly balking at a potential $320 million total investment. Wirtz chose Liverpool instead—and the fallout from that decision was on full display in this high-stakes clash.

Before the match, Arsène Wenger warned that Liverpool had “destroyed their midfield.” After the final whistle, those words rang louder than ever.

Former England international Gary Neville didn’t hold back after Wirtz’s disappointing 83-minute performance: “He’s a problem. A few weeks ago I said Kerkez looked like a kid out there, and today I feel the same about Wirtz—who cost over $100 million. That’s unacceptable.”

“Either he adapts quickly, or he’s finished for Liverpool.”

Wesley Sneijder, ex-player, on Florian Wirtz.

Stats paint a poor picture

The stats are grim. In 11 Premier League matches, Wirtz has zero goals and zero assists. That’s a shocking return for the most expensive signing in league history.

According to Opta, even his underlying numbers are bleak: 12 shots, no goals; 16 chances created, no assists. The worst attacking metrics in the Premier League so far

He did manage two assists in a recent match against Eintracht Frankfurt, adding to the one from his Liverpool debut. But in domestic league play, the German midfielder has yet to deliver.

Wesley Sneijder, former Real Madrid star, added fuel to the fire: “He either adapts quickly, or he’s done at Liverpool. These players can shine in their home countries, but struggle when they move abroad.”

Fans weren’t shy about voicing their frustration. Social media lit up with criticism throughout the afternoon. Supporters have been vocal about their disappointment - with the team as a whole, not just the German.

An experiment gone wrong

There is clearly a problem but fans believe that there are several factors which have contributed to Liverpool’s meltdown. Some think that the club’s actions in the transfer market have created an imbalance in the team, then there are other issues: Slot’s decision-making (or lack of) during games along with his team selection. The coach stubbornly refuses to drop players who are not delivering.

Wirtz’s teammates, including Andy Robertson and Federico Chiesa, continue to praise him. And the manager insists: “He needs time to adapt to his teammates, and they need time to adapt to him.”

Some pundits still believe Wirtz will eventually come good at Anfield. But as the matches roll on, Liverpool is still waiting for its record-breaking star to rise.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment.Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.