Liverpool Legend was left ‘disappointed’ by Reds ace after win at Burnley | OneFootball

Florian Wirtz Criticised After Below-Par Performance at Burnley

Turf Moor Struggles

Liverpool may have extended their perfect start with a 1-0 win over Burnley, but the performance at Turf Moor left much to be desired. The late Mohamed Salah penalty spared Arne Slot’s side from dropping points, yet the display drew criticism from pundits and supporters alike.

Photo: IMAGO

Former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol singled out Florian Wirtz as the player who “disappointed” him most. Speaking to ESPN FC, Nicol said: “If we were going to talk about one player who is disappointed the most, I think we’d have to say, if ever a player was brought in to break down a game, this was it today… And that, I’m afraid, is Florian Wirtz’s job. That’s what he was brought in to do. And today, just again, he couldn’t do it, and he hasn’t done it yet since he’s come to the club now.”

Midfield Issues

Liverpool’s midfield was tasked with unlocking a deep-lying Burnley side, but Wirtz failed to provide the creativity expected of him. According to Statsmuse, he lost possession 21 times during the match and won just three of his 10 duels.

Nicol argued that the German international’s place in the team could soon be under threat. “Well, there has to be a point where you do bench them. You could try and play him on the left,” he suggested. “If that’s the best thing for the team, then again Slot that’s why he gets paid the big bucks. You have to make tough decisions regardless of whether you paid £112 million for somebody or not, if they’re not producing.”

Photo IMAGO

Ryan Gravenberch offered a rare spark, dictating play and breaking the lines with forward passes. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate ensured that Burnley’s limited attacks were comfortably dealt with, but overall, the squad appeared disjointed in the final third.

Calls for Tactical Tweaks

The game also highlighted Liverpool’s over-reliance on moments of individual quality. Nicol noted that Slot may have to explore tactical adjustments to get the best out of Wirtz: “The fact that Liverpool wins again probably means that Arne Slot can keep pushing Florian Wirtz in the starting 11 and keep giving him time, hoping that his true form is going to come out.”

Fans will hope that the German’s adaptation period is nearing its end, as his arrival was meant to add cutting edge and unpredictability in games like this. With tougher fixtures on the horizon, Liverpool cannot afford to rely solely on late goals to get over the line.

Photo: IMAGO

Patience or Change?

Wirtz is only four games into his Premier League career, and Slot has shown faith by starting him consistently. However, there will come a point where performances must match the price tag. Nicol’s call for “tough decisions” reflects the wider conversation around Liverpool’s midfield and the balance Slot is trying to strike between nurturing new arrivals and chasing results.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool fans are likely to be split on Nicol’s assessment. Some will argue that patience is essential when bedding in a 22-year-old midfielder who has just arrived from the Bundesliga, especially one with such high potential. Others will point to the stats, 21 losses of possession and seven duels lost, as evidence that changes might be necessary in the short term.

Supporters understand that the club paid £112 million for Wirtz because of his ability to become a difference-maker in games like Burnley away, where space is tight and composure is key. Seeing him struggle to impose himself has been frustrating, but there is still belief he will deliver once he settles.

Most fans will want to see him backed for a few more games before any drastic decisions are made. The Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid offers the perfect stage for him to show what he can do on a big night at Anfield. If Wirtz finds his rhythm, Liverpool’s attack could reach another level, but if the struggles continue, Slot will have to decide whether to take him out of the firing line.