Florian Wirtz is once again under the spotlight at Liverpool, with former Reds midfielder Danny Murphy questioning whether the German is doing enough to justify his place in Andoni Iraola’s starting XI.
And Murphy hasn’t held back.
The £116m signing from Bayer Leverkusen arrived at Anfield with enormous expectations, but despite showing flashes of his quality, he has struggled to produce the consistent performances many supporters were hoping to see.
Murphy believes Iraola could eventually have little choice but to leave him out.
And while I don’t agree with everything Murphy says, there are some uncomfortable questions Liverpool need to address.
Murphy Questions Wirtz’s Physicality and End Product
Speaking to Wettbasis, Murphy acknowledged Wirtz’s technical ability but questioned whether his goal contributions justify his position.
He said:
“He’s technically very good, there’s no doubt about it. And he can see a pass, and he’s creative on his best days; he makes things happen.”
However, Murphy believes a player operating in the number 10 role at a club like Liverpool needs to be a regular match winner.
He also raised concerns about Wirtz’s physicality and his ability to cope with the intensity of Premier League football.
Murphy expected to see a significant improvement during Wirtz’s second season after having a full summer to adapt, but believes that improvement hasn’t really materialised.
His most damning assessment was:
“At the moment, he’s not doing enough.”
Murphy also pointed towards Wirtz’s performances against stronger Premier League opposition, suggesting he has made a greater impact in European competition than in the league’s biggest matches.
That’s a criticism Liverpool supporters will recognise.
Is Wirtz Becoming Too Comfortable in the Starting XI?
Murphy’s argument is that Iraola cannot continue selecting players based purely on reputation or transfer fees.
At Liverpool, nobody should be guaranteed a starting place.
If performances aren’t good enough, there has to be competition for places. That’s how a top club should operate.
Wirtz has produced seven goal contributions in 15 appearances this season, which is hardly disastrous, but the expectations surrounding him are understandably enormous.
There is a difference between being a technically gifted footballer and consistently deciding important matches.
Liverpool need more from their attacking players, particularly when facing teams who defend well and leave very little space between the lines.
And Wirtz has to become more influential in those situations.
My View: I Wouldn’t Drop Wirtz Just Yet
This is where I disagree with Murphy to an extent.
I still believe Wirtz is Liverpool’s most natural number 10. His vision, movement, creativity and ability to find passes that other players simply don’t see make him a special talent.
I would much rather see Liverpool build a midfield that allows him to play his natural game than sacrifice him because the overall balance isn’t right.
I’ve previously questioned whether Liverpool have the right combination behind their attacking players. We need more defensive security, greater physicality and midfielders who can move the ball forward quickly.
Wirtz shouldn’t be expected to solve every problem on his own.
However, that doesn’t mean he gets a free pass. He needs to produce more goals, assists and decisive moments, especially against the best teams.
There is also a positive sign following the recent victory over Crystal Palace, where Wirtz scored his first Premier League goal and provided the assist for Alexander Isak.
Hopefully, that can give him the confidence to kick on.
Iraola Must Be Brave – But Give Wirtz Time
Iraola has a difficult decision to make.
If Wirtz continues to struggle in certain matches, there is nothing wrong with giving somebody else an opportunity. Competition should bring the best out of everyone.
But dropping him permanently would be a different matter.
Liverpool invested heavily in Wirtz because they believe he can become one of the best attacking midfielders in Europe. One difficult period shouldn’t suddenly change that.
I want to see him become the player we all know he can be, but he has to start showing it more regularly.
My verdict? Murphy is right to demand more from Wirtz, but I wouldn’t be dropping him just yet.
Give him the right midfield platform, keep challenging him to improve and judge him on his performances rather than his price tag.
The talent is there. Now Liverpool need to see it consistently.
By Jamie
(The Kopite View)
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