Wirtz has struggled to deliver on his £116m price tag, says Iraola

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has expressed his unwavering support for new signings Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola, despite recent criticism directed at both players. Wirtz, who arrived from Bayer Leverkusen for a significant fee, has yet to make a notable impact on the pitch, particularly during the recent home defeat to Manchester City. Barcola, who joined from PSG, is still finding his footing after a late summer transfer, having struggled to contribute in his six appearances so far.

The scrutiny on Wirtz and Barcola has intensified due to injuries to key players Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, and Dominik Szoboszlai, who have been crucial to Liverpool's scoring this season. With the trio unavailable for the upcoming Champions League match against LASK and uncertain for subsequent fixtures, the pressure mounts on the remaining squad members to step up. Iraola acknowledged the need for his players to deliver goals in the absence of their top scorers.

Iraola defended both players, stating that they have experienced ups and downs this season, similar to the rest of the squad. He highlighted that while Wirtz has faced challenges adapting to the Premier League, he has shown glimpses of his potential, including positive performances for the German national team. The Liverpool boss emphasised the importance of collective contributions over individual statistics, insisting that he trusts Wirtz and Barcola to improve their performances.

As Liverpool prepares for a busy schedule of six matches in 18 days, Iraola hinted at potential changes to the starting lineup due to fatigue and minor injuries. This adjustment could provide opportunities for other players to showcase their abilities. Meanwhile, pundits have voiced their concerns regarding Wirtz's impact, with some suggesting he should be benched to allow for a fresh approach in the attacking midfield role.

Critics have pointed out that Wirtz has not yet delivered the expected performances since his arrival, comparing his contributions unfavourably to other top players in the league. While some argue that he deserves more time to adapt, others believe that his current form is insufficient for a player of his calibre. The ongoing debate surrounding Wirtz's role at Liverpool continues as the team looks to regain momentum in their upcoming fixtures.

via Sky Sports