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Liverpool’s recent recruits, including Alexander Isak, have been issued a stark warning from a former Arsenal defender.
Florian Wirtz has openly admitted to struggling, and the numbers don’t help: he has no league goal contributions and just two in European competition. Yet his creativity has been more than sufficient, and his teammates will be required to ease the pressure by finishing chances. Meanwhile, Isak’s record-breaking transfer from Newcastle to Liverpool on deadline day in September has yet to make the impact hoped for.
The 26-year-old has scored only once in nine appearances, with fitness and injury issues hindering his adjustment from his time at the Magpies. He was hooked after 68 minutes of Liverpool's shocking 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Gunners legend Martin Keown, speaking before Saturday's game, believes it is time the Reds' new signings to start making an impact.
Speaking on Football Focus, he said: "Two home games now for Liverpool, Forest first who managed to beat them last year, the only team that won at Anfield, so this is a game they need to start playing.
"The new signings have to turn up now. They have had time to settle, so now it is time for them to start performing."
Despite a significant outlay in the summer transfer window, the reigning Premier League champion has hit a rough patch, losing five of its last six league matches.
Early praise for Liverpool’s transfer strategy highlighted record-breaking deals for Wirtz and Isak, while signings like Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and Hugo Ekitike were seen as smart additions to strengthen both defense and attack.
This season, Robbie Fowler has already stressed that Liverpool must deliver near-perfect performances to have any hope of retaining the title, while also commenting on how Frimpong and Kerkez are adjusting to the club’s revamped defensive setup.
"It's been difficult for Jeremie Frimpong because everyone is thinking he's going to come in and replace Trent, when he's not really been played in the same position as Trent for his whole career," Fowler told Adventure Gamers.
"Kerkez for me was a player who was outstanding in the Premier League last year. Hence the reason why he was picked in the Premier League team of the year.
"So there's definitely potential with him as well.
"Is he ready now? I don't know, but I think he will be."
Liverpool.com says: Liverpool’s summer signings showed ambition on paper, but the team’s recent slump highlights that big-money moves don’t instantly solve deeper issues. While Wirtz, Isak, and others have potential, it’s clear the squad needs cohesion and sharpness—especially in defense—to turn promise into consistent Premier League results.
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