Wirtz created nine chances against Brentford, but Iraola needs more consistency

Florian Wirtz showcased one of his best performances for Liverpool during their recent match against Brentford, but manager Andoni Iraola is looking for consistency from the £116m playmaker. Following Liverpool's 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, former captain Jamie Carragher suggested that Wirtz should be dropped from the starting lineup due to his lacklustre displays. Carragher's comments reflect the pressure on Wirtz to deliver more impactful performances for the team.

Despite the criticism, Wirtz has recently contributed to Liverpool's success, helping the team secure victories against LASK and Brentford. He played a pivotal role in the Champions League match against LASK, creating a goal and demonstrating his ability to influence games. His performance against Brentford was also notable, as he created nine chances, the highest for a Premier League player since 2021, although many of these chances came after Brentford was reduced to ten men.

Iraola expressed his desire for Wirtz to maintain his form as Liverpool faces a challenging series of matches, including fixtures against Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal. The manager acknowledged the scrutiny surrounding Wirtz but emphasised the need for continued improvement. He noted that while Wirtz has shown promise, the team must strike a balance in midfield to maximise his potential and minimise defensive vulnerabilities.

The upcoming fixtures will test Wirtz's ability to perform under pressure, especially against teams that can exploit defensive weaknesses. Iraola faces a dilemma in deciding whether to keep Wirtz in the starting lineup, given the need for a more robust midfield presence. The manager's previous experience at Bournemouth suggests he may opt for a dynamic midfield approach, which could impact Wirtz's role within the team.

As Liverpool prepares for these crucial encounters, the focus will be on how Wirtz adapts to the demands of high-stakes matches. His recent contributions have been encouraging, but the challenge remains to maintain that form against stronger opposition. Finding the right balance in midfield will be essential for Wirtz to thrive and for Liverpool to secure positive results in the coming weeks.

via Sky Sports