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Wayne Rooney has claimed that Florian Wirtz is actually “damaging” Liverpool since his summer move to Anfield, suggesting that he might not have a place in Arne Slot’s side.
Wirtz has struggled to find his feet since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer for a Premier League record transfer fee — a record that was subsequently broken by Alexander Isak’s move to Merseyside.
The German international has made eight appearances so far for Liverpool, but has failed to score in any of them, and his only assist so far came in the Community Shield against Crystal Palace last month.
Having been utilized as a No. 10 upon his arrival, Wirtz was moved to the left wing for Saturday’s league game against Palace, although Slot abandoned that experiment at halftime with his side having been lucky to only be 1-0 down.
Although Liverpool improved after the break with Wirtz back in his usual position, the German international would be brought off with the Reds still searching for an equalizer with 16 minutes of normal time remaining.
Analyzing Wirtz’s start to life at Liverpool, Rooney said on his podcast The Wayne Rooney Show: "It's been tough for him. I don't think there's any denying that.
"He's played OK. When you sign so many players like Liverpool have - Liverpool don't normally do this but they've signed basically a whole new frontline, and then you've got [Mohamed] Salah there as well - they're all competing and they all want to do well. Wirtz is probably the one who's not doing as well, but he's got so much ability.
"I don't see where he gets into the team. I think it was a lot of money. I think Wirtz actually damages the balance of Liverpool and how they play. He's a top player and I'm sure he will get better - but he's had a slow start and I think there's no denying that.
"I've seen players come into this league and it takes time. It's not the price tag. It's not the player or his ability. I don't see where he fits into what Liverpool do in that system.
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"Is he a third midfield player? For me, no, he's more of an attacking player. So if I have to choose between him and [Dominik] Szoboszlai, then I choose Szoboszlai."
Liverpool.com says: Wirtz needs to find his feet quickly in the Premier League. It’s understandable that it takes time for a player to adjust to the move, but having been signed for big money, expectations are high, and he hasn’t met them yet.
There has been the odd glimpse, but he hasn’t looked all that comfortable so far, and it’s hard to argue that it hasn’t been a disruption to what was a functioning team with Szoboszlai in the No. 10 role.
Wirtz will keep getting his opportunities, and it is far too early to be writing him off in any way, but he needs to start delivering soon.
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