Will Iraola be left with 'tough decision to make' on Wirtz?
- Published
At the time, Florian Witz's arrival felt like a quality acquisition for Liverpool, but more than a year on things are still not clicking.
The German has scored seven goals and provided 11 assists over 56 Reds appearances, but had no goal involvements against any of the top-10 teams in the Premier League last season.
This term, Wirtz has started every game in the league and Champions League so far - managing just one assist across seven matches.
Those struggles were summed up on Sunday against Manchester City when new Reds boss Andoni Iraola - who succeeded Slot in the summer - replaced Wirtz with Trey Nyoni in the 66th minute, shortly after Ryan Gravenberch was sent off and Erling Haaland broke the deadlock.
After Liverpool's defeat by City, Jamie Carragher said it was time for Iraola to drop Wirtz.
"I think he needs to come out of the team, I said that last time out and I'm going to say it again," Carragher told Sky Sports.
"He's not giving you anything defensively and he's not giving you anything going the other way. I don't want anyone to pile in on the lad but I think we're justified in saying we need more and we can't wait."
Given that Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai are all currently sidelined, it would be a big call to drop Wirtz - but Liverpool have two games every week between now and the November international break.
With Gravenberch suspended for Saturday's trip to Brentford, Iraola will likely keep the Dutch midfielder in for Wednesday's Champions League game against LASK in Austria and could give a start to Nyoni. More changes are expected from Sunday's defeat.
When it comes to the intensity of the top flight, Wirtz is still finding his feet, but his best performance this season came in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid and he was unlucky not to get an assist when Bradley Barcola fired wide.
"I can just picture him beating himself up on how his Liverpool thing has started. This kid is a major talent in my opinion. I've seen enough to believe and give him a chance. I think he needs help and support now," former Reds captain Gerrard told The Overlap.
Wirtz created 95 chances from open play in all competitions last season - at least 27 more than any other Liverpool player.
Back in August, Wirtz spoke candidly about how he felt "more ready" for his second season at Anfield. The physicality was a key aspect, with bulking up a big focus of his first campaign.
He impressed in pre-season but two months into the new campaign, Wirtz needs to start delivering sooner rather than later.
If not, then Iraola will be left with a tough decision to make.
