Florian Wirtz has become an 'issue' at Liverpool as ex-player makes claim

Dean Saunders has questioned Florian Wirtz's impact at Liverpool and warned Arne Slot faces a make-or-break week with a Champions League tie and FA Cup clash ahead

Florian Wirtz will be aiming to finish the season strongly(Image: Getty Images)

Former Liverpool striker Dean Saunders believes Florian Wirtz has become "a bit of an issue" — and that Arne Slot could be fired should the Reds be eliminated from the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain.

Wirtz turned in an impressive display for Germany during the international break, contributing two goals and two assists in a 4-3 victory in Switzerland, before starring in a 2-1 home win over Ghana.

The 22-year-old endured a sluggish beginning to his Anfield career following his move from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, yet has since gone on to record six goals and nine assists. However, Saunders feels that Wirtz's tally falls short of compensating for what he considers to be the attacking midfielder's disruption to the balance of Liverpool's midfield.

"I thought when he scored a couple of goals, he'll come good," said the former Wales international. "He's involved in a lot of intricate moves around the box.

"He still looks a bit lightweight on the pitch, and if you think back to Jurgen Klopp's era, when (Philippe) Coutinho used to play as the third midfielder, Liverpool used to score more goals and let more in.

"He then got rid of Coutinho and played a midfield of (James) Milner, (Jordan) Henderson, Fabinho or (Gini) Wijnaldum. He had three aggressive, not creative, workers in midfield. They decreased the amount of goals they conceded and scored more.

Arne Slot faces a huge couple of weeks(Image: Getty Images)

"Wirtz, it's a problem because if you play him on the left, he's not going to run back. He tries, but he cannot stay with his man when you're away from home and struggling.

"If you play him at number 10, he's got to produce, and he's not really produced. So it's a bit of an issue. We can see that he's talented, and fingers crossed he might come good next season."

Wirtz will be hoping to play a crucial role as Liverpool faces an important 11-day period beginning with Saturday's FA Cup quarterfinal at Manchester City, followed by a two-legged Champions League last-eight tie against Paris Saint-Germain that brackets a Premier League game at home to Fulham.

Speaking to Pariurix.com, Saunders said: "One week can be crucial for Slot.

"If Liverpool beat PSG, there will be no rumors about Arne Slot leaving. But if they get beaten by PSG, then it is a different story.

"PSG is a very tough draw. They have some really good players, but Liverpool can beat anyone on their day.

"I am still backing PSG to win, and if that happens, then I think we can talk about who the next manager should be. You can call it make it or break it for Arne Slot.

"One thing I can say for sure, and I hope Arne Slot already knows this, but the Liverpool fans won't accept the way they are playing. They cannot and will not accept this playing style going forward."