Florian Wirtz was back in Liverpool’s starting line-up for the first time since a defeat to Man City and he put in an impressive performance in their 2-0 win over West Ham.
Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz delivered the perfect response to Gary Neville’s recent criticism as the Reds secured a much-needed 2-0 victory over West Ham on Sunday afternoon. The Germany international made his return to the starting XI for the first time since a loss at Manchester City before November’s international break.
A minor injury had ruled him out of the disappointing defeats against Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven, but he recovered in time to feature against West Ham. Following the City defeat, Wirtz was the subject of some harsh words from Neville, with the pundit suggesting the 22-year-old “looked like a little boy” – and posed a challenge for Arne Slot.
He said on the Gary Neville Podcast earlier this month: “Wirtz is a problem. Let’s just call it as it is. It’s an issue.
READ MORE: Liverpool player ratings as three stars score 8/10 including forgotten manREAD MORE: Liverpool facing more Marc Guehi transfer frustration as rivals circle
“He’s £100m-plus and, to be fair, 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.”
Against the Hammers, though, Wirtz produced a player-of-the-match display. Especially during the opening 45 minutes, the attacking midfielder proved vital to Liverpool’s attacking build-up – with the majority of promising moves flowing through him.
Wirtz achieved a 95 per cent passing accuracy. That was the best of anyone who featured for at least 45 minutes.
His combination play impressed throughout, although he struggled to deliver the crucial final touch, exemplified by a weak first-half shot directly at Alphonse Areola that represented a significant chance squandered.
He provided the pre-assist for Alexander Isak’s second-half opener, finding Cody Gakpo in space. However, shortly afterwards, he was withdrawn and replaced by Curtis Jones.
Jamie Carragher’s pre-match analysis of Wirtz perhaps better captured his current situation. The talent and ability are evident; he’s consistently involved, but Wirtz must now discover how to make a more decisive and consistent contribution through goals and assists.
“I want to see him having a big impact on games and that hasn’t happened yet,” Carragher said on Sky Sports before kick-off. “He’s been neat and tidy and that’s the best way you could describe his Liverpool career so far.
“He wants to be between the lines. Eventually, going forward – and he’s found it tough centrally – wide left is the position he might find himself in.”
Liverpool, alongside Wirtz, will be hoping to capitalise on their strong performance when Sunderland visit Anfield during the week.
With a journey to Leeds United following next weekend, it’s crucial that Slot’s team uses the victory as a platform to finally string together a sustained period of positive results.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
