Florian Wirtz endured a torrid evening for Liverpool against Galatasaray as the Reds fell to a 1-0 defeat in the Champions League. Wirtz played the full 90 minutes but struggled to make a significant impact on the game, and he is still waiting for his first goal contribution for the Reds after eight appearances. His latest performance has led to criticism from fans and pundits, with Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher among those who believe he should be dropped from the starting lineup.
Wirtz struggles in Istanbul
Wirtz wasn't the only Liverpool player to struggle against determined opposition, but his performances have come in for greater criticism following his £116 million ($156.4m) move from Bayer Leverkusen this summer. Wirtz couldn't find the final pass needed to break Galatasaray down, was dispossessed 14 times, and won only four of his 13 duels, which is hugely disappointing as he was bought by Arne Slot largely due to his 'football IQ'. Wirtz arrived on Merseyside with a reputation as a highly talented attacking midfielder celebrated for his exceptional technical skills, vision, and tactical intelligence, but he's still to convince the Anfield faithful he can do the business for the champions of England.
AdvertisementAFPCarragher says Liverpool are a mess
Carragher feels Wirtz should be taken out of the firing line for the sake of the team's "balance". He told : "I'm not watching a top team. Liverpool are not playing football, they are playing basketball. And I told Slot this on the first game of the season against Bournemouth. They obviously have a fantastic manager. Liverpool last season were a top team, but also a workman-like team, which they've sprinkled a bit of stardust on in terms of the transfers they have brought in. And they haven't gained anything going forward, but they've lost a lot defensively. I think for the manager now, he know needs to really earn his money. He did last season, by winning the Premier League, but there are few problems he has got to fix. It will be really interesting how he does about it, because he spent a lot of money on certain players. Right now, the balance of the team is not right, and the obvious one that stands out is Florian Wirtz, who is just not at the races at all. He's a young boy, coming to a new league, and has plenty of time to go. But right now, he needs to come out of the team, Liverpool go back to what they were last season, and try to build some confidence and some stability. Right now it looks like a mess."
Slots side starting to unravel
Liverpool have had a mixed start to the season under Slot. They sit atop the Premier League table after six matches with 15 points (five wins, one defeat). However, their performances have been less convincing than the results suggest, often requiring late goals to secure victories. They have conceded 13 goals in all competitions since the Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace, raising concerns about their defensive solidity. And the team's approach, as described by Carragher, looks like "basketball not football" due to a lack of control and vulnerability to counter-attacks.
GettyPath to success for Wirtz?
Wirtz has time on his side and will find plenty of patience from his boss, who invested so heavily in him. There's a massive difference between the leagues in Germany and England and Wirtz admitted earlier in the season that he will need time to adjust. Wirtz said: "It's another league, another type of football. I'm happy to be there. I have no idea when I'll score my first goal, hopefully in the next game, but it will come at some point."