Gary Neville criticises Florian Wirtz’s performance at Liverpool
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has launched a scathing attack on Liverpool’s £116 million summer signing Florian Wirtz, describing the German international as looking “like a little boy” during Sunday’s 3-0 defeat at Manchester City, reports BritPanorama.
Neville insisted it was time to stop “tiptoeing around” the 22-year-old midfielder and face reality regarding his struggles at Anfield. Following the match at the Etihad Stadium, he stated on his podcast, “Wirtz is a problem. Let’s just call it as it is. It’s an issue.”
This criticism marks a significant escalation in scrutiny for Wirtz, who has yet to register a single goal or assist in 11 Premier League appearances. Neville highlighted how the record signing was “mauled” by Manchester City’s Matheus Nunes and other players, being “chucked around the pitch” while failing to deliver any meaningful contribution.
The pundit compared Wirtz’s current performance to his previous remarks about another player, saying, “I said a few weeks ago [Milos] Kerkez looked like a little boy out there. Today I thought Wirtz looked like a little boy. That can’t be the case.” Since his British record-breaking transfer from Bayer Leverkusen, Wirtz has struggled to adapt to the physical demands of English football.
His lackluster display against City compounded ongoing concerns about his ability to influence matches at the Premier League level. Neville had previously suggested that Wirtz was “trying too hard” and appeared “naive,” despite acknowledging his talent. He elaborated that Wirtz “almost moves towards the ball too much” and lacks the patience to navigate spaces between defensive lines.
Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger also weighed in on the situation, criticising Liverpool for “destroying their midfield” by accommodating Wirtz’s desire to play as a number 10. Wenger noted that “to play Wirtz, they took Szoboszlai out,” suggesting that manager Arne Slot disrupted the successful midfield partnership from the previous season.
Despite the harsh criticism, Neville maintained that Liverpool must persevere with their expensive acquisition, acknowledging the player’s undeniable technical abilities. “He’s obviously got something, he’s a really good player, he’s technically fantastic,” Neville admitted, while stressing the urgency for improvement.
Ultimately, these reflections on Wirtz underscore a pressing challenge for Liverpool as they navigate the high expectations placed on their marquee signing. In a league where performance often dictates placement, the requirement for growth is not limited to individual players; it shapes aspirations for the entire club.
