Micah Richards reveals what Florian Wirtz is doing wrong at Liverpool
Florian Wirtz is experiencing a tough start to life at Liverpool.
Liverpool signed Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth up to £116million in the summer, but the German is yet to find his feet.
The 22-year-old provided an assist as Arne Slot’s side lost the Community Shield at the start of the season, but is yet to get on the board in the Premier League.
But Wirtz scored a free-kick for Germany amid an impressive international break, showing that the midfielder is not lacking in confidence.
The midfielder had been a record outlay at Anfield until Liverpool signed Alexander Isak from Newcastle United on transfer deadline day.
Florian Wirtz needs to be more decisive on the ball
Wirtz has been backed to eventually star for Liverpool, but the midfielder has looked lost at times this season.
The German delivered arguably his most impressive performance for Slot’s side so far against Burnley on Sunday, as Mohamed Salah’s late penalty secured the three points for the Reds.
Wirtz created four chances in the game, doubling his tally for the season so far.
And the German was not afraid to shoot, although none of his three shots on goal came close to troubling Martin Dubravka.
| Florian Wirtz | Vs Burnley (A) |
| Minutes played | 87 |
| Chances created | 4 |
| Shots | 3 |
| Accurate crosses | 2 |
| Fouled | 1 |
It was a confidence-boosting performance for the midfielder, who has been backed to find his feet by Micah Richards.
“He’ll come good, Wirtz, he’s too much of a good player not to come good,” the former Manchester City defender told The Rest is Football podcast on Wednesday.
“They’re just finding it out, they’re working it out. I think he just needs to up the tempo a little bit. I feel like when he’s on the ball, he’s taking too many touches. You can’t do that in the Premier League.
“Yeah, he’ll be a top player. I have no worries whatsoever about Wirtz.”
- Read more: Why Liverpool want to recreate PSG-esque attack force as Arne Slot eyes Champions League glory
Florian Wirtz could find position under threat
There is no doubting Wirtz’s quality, but it is easy to forget how young he is. At just 22, the midfielder still has plenty of developing to do.
But should he not start contributing in the coming weeks, he could find his position under threat.
The return of Jeremie Frimpong will bring Dominik Szoboszlai back into contention for Wirtz’s position behind the attack, and Slot will not be afraid to bring the Hungary international back into the line-up if it is for the benefit of the team.
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