Florian Wirtz faces scrutiny over Liverpool performance

Florian Wirtz is facing intense scrutiny regarding his performance at Liverpool following his £116 million transfer from Bayer Leverkusen. Critics, including former player Robert Huth, have pointed to a lack of physical presence and intensity as primary issues preventing the German international from adapting to the Premier League.

Huth suggested that Wirtz has become an expensive problem for the club and noted that his recent playing time has been limited, including being substituted after 63 minutes during a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United under manager Arne Slot.

While Wirtz has struggled to replicate the instinctual and fluid style seen in the Bundesliga, some analysis suggests his difficulties are compounded by a lack of team identity and chemistry within the Liverpool squad over the last 13 months. Observers note that his play has become slower and more deliberate compared to his previous form.