8 hours ago
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Former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann reckons that underperforming Reds star Florian Wirtz needs to start delivering before the Christmas period kicks in.
Wirtz has struggled to register a goal or assist since his move from Bayer Leverkusen during the summer transfer window. The German's lacklustre beginning at Anfield has led Reds icon Jamie Carragher to propose he merits a stint on the substitutes' bench. However, no Premier League player has created more chances for colleagues across all competitions this season than the 22 year old.
Wirtz managed his maiden complete 90-minute appearance for Liverpool on Tuesday night during the Champions League loss at Galatasaray. The attacker had one effort saved and created opportunities for Alexander Isak and Conor Bradley in Istanbul.
Yet Hamann believes patience is beginning to wear thin with his compatriot. He expresses his opinion that the German international must produce a goal or assist before the festive season commences in December.
"Florian Wirtz also needs to start performing better for Liverpool. He's played nine games, and he's barely done anything," he told Sky Sports Germany.
"Liverpool could have lost all the close games they won at the start of the season. There was a lot of luck involved, too.
"It's not entirely his fault, but he needs to make sure he decides a game or two, scores a goal, or provides assists between now and Christmas. Premier League football is almost a different sport to the Bundesliga.
"There, he hardly had any opponents who really challenged him, and he was always the best on the pitch.
"Now, opponents are giving even more when they play against him, because they want to show him where the hammer hangs. In the first few games, the ball was stolen from his feet more often than in the Bundesliga all year.
"Something has to happen with him now. He has to deliver, otherwise the discussions will erupt, not only externally but also within the club."
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