Florian Wirths returned to Liverpool’s starting line-up for the first time since the defeat to Man City and produced an impressive performance in the 2-0 win over West Ham.
Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz gave the perfect response to Gary Neville’s recent criticism as the Reds secured a much-needed 2-0 win against West Ham on Sunday afternoon. The Germany international was back in the starting lineup for the first time since the defeat against Manchester City before the international break in November.
Due to a minor injury, he suffered disappointing defeats against Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven, but recovered in time for the game against West Ham. After City’s defeat, Werts was peppered with harsh words from Neville, with the pundit suggesting the 22-year-old “looked like a little boy” and posed a challenge for Arne Slott.
“Wirtz is a problem. Let’s put it like it is: a problem,” he said on the Gary Neville Podcast earlier this month.
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“He’s a £100m-plus player and to be fair, a few weeks ago I said (Milos) Kerkes looked like a little boy there, but today I thought Wirtz looked like a little boy. That can’t be true.”
However, against the Hammers, Wertz produced a player-of-the-match performance. Particularly in the first 45 minutes, the attacking midfielder proved essential to Liverpool’s attacking build-up, with most of the promising movements flowing through him.
Wirtz achieved a 95 percent passing accuracy. This was the best of anyone who appeared for at least 45 minutes.
His combination play was impressive throughout, but he struggled to provide the important finishing touches, exemplified by a weak shot in the first half that hit Alphonse Areola directly, wasting an important chance.
He found Kodi Gakpo in space and provided a pre-assist for Alexander Isaac’s late opener. However, he resigned shortly afterward and was replaced by Curtis Jones.
Jamie Carragher’s pre-match analysis of Wertz may have captured his current situation better. The talent and ability is obvious. Although he has been consistently involved, Wirtz must now find a way to make a more decisive and consistent contribution through goals and assists.
“I’d like to see him have a big impact on the game, but that hasn’t happened yet,” Carragher told Sky Sports before kick-off. “He’s neat and tidy and that’s the best way to describe his career at Liverpool so far.
“He wants to be between the lines. Ultimately, moving forward, he finds it difficult to play in the middle, but wide left is a position he might be placed in.”
Along with Wertz, Liverpool will be hoping to capitalize on his strong performance when Sunderland visit Anfield later in the week.
Ahead of next weekend’s match against Leeds United, it is vital that Slot’s side build on the win and finally achieve a sustained positive result.
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