Wayne Rooney has claimed that Florian Wirtz ‘damages’ Liverpool, with the £116million signing nonetheless struggling to search out his toes within the Premier League.
Wirtz arrived amid big expectations after finishing a blinding, record-breaking transfer to the champions this summer time.
The midfielder had reached extraordinary heights at Bayer Leverkusen, orchestrating play within the centre of the pitch because the German facet went unbeaten to win their first Bundesliga title in 2023–24.
Nonetheless, the 22-year-old has to this point underwhelmed in England’s high flight, and Wirtz was surprisingly named on the bench for the Merseyside derby at Anfield, which Liverpool edged 2-1 after a tense finale.
Restored to the beginning line-up for the journey to Selhurst Park, he endured one other irritating show, lacking a transparent probability when he fired straight at Dean Henderson from 5 yards out.
He was substituted within the 74th minute for Federico Chiesa as Arne Slot’s facet pushed for a aim.
Wirtz arrived amid big expectations after finishing a record-breaking transfer this summer time
‘I feel Wirtz really damages the steadiness of Liverpool, how they play,’ Rooney mentioned
The German stays with out a aim or help from his eight Liverpool appearances in all competitions this season.
Extra worryingly, Wirtz has been substituted in each certainly one of his begins, elevating doubts in regards to the supervisor’s confidence in him.
Now Wayne Rooney has joined the controversy, arguing that Wirtz disrupts the ‘steadiness’ of the group.
The previous Manchester United striker mentioned: ‘It’s been robust for him, I don’t suppose there’s any denying that. He’ll be looking deep inside himself to attempt to repair that and making an attempt to determine.
‘I feel he’s performed okay, however once you signal so many gamers like Liverpool have, and so they’ve signed principally a complete new entrance line whereas additionally having Mo Salah there as properly, then they’re all competing.
‘And I feel Wirtz, he’s the one who’s most likely not doing as properly. He’s bought a lot capability however for me, I don’t see the place he will get into the group.’
He continued: ‘It was some huge cash and I feel Wirtz really damages the steadiness of Liverpool, how they play. However he’s a high participant and I’m positive he’ll get higher, after all he’ll. However he’s had a sluggish begin and I feel there’s no denying that.’
Given Liverpool’s assault is already crowded with established stars, Rooney makes the case that Wirtz doesn’t get in forward of the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai.
Given Liverpool’s assault is already crowded with established stars, the previous Man United participant makes the case that Wirtz doesn’t get in forward of the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai (left)
Wirtz has been substituted by Arne Slot in each certainly one of his begins since he joined Liverpool
Rooney added: ‘I’ve seen gamers come into this league and it takes time. For me, it’s not the worth tag, it’s not the participant and his capability. I don’t see the place he matches into what Liverpool do in that system.
‘So, is he a 3rd midfield participant? For me, no, he’s extra of an attacking participant. So if I’ve to decide on between him and Szoboszlai, then I select Szoboszlai.’
In an interview not too long ago with Sky Germany, the 22-year-old has admitted that he has discovered it tough discovering his toes.
He mentioned: ‘After all I might have preferred to have scored a aim or collected just a few factors. However it doesn’t matter what anybody says, I am staying cool.
‘I do not wish to continuously hear “give it time, give it time.” As an alternative, I merely attempt to do it higher every time than earlier than.
‘Typically there are simply phases the place issues aren’t going properly for you. I have not had that fairly often in my profession.
‘As soon as I get via it – that is perhaps harsh, as a result of I am not enjoying badly, I simply have not bought the factors (targets and assists) but – it can come in some unspecified time in the future, after which the whole lot will likely be nice.’
Liverpool face Galatasaray of their second Champions League group match on Tuesday night, and Wirtz will likely be determined to lastly make an influence.
