Gary Neville issues three-word verdict on Florian Wirtz amid ‘crazy’ claim

Florian Wirtz has struggled to make an impact since his big-money move to Liverpool and Gary Neville believes the German is ‘trying too hard’ to impress in the Premier League

Gary Neville has suggested that Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz is ‘trying too hard’, exacerbating his challenging start in the Premier League. Despite a standout performance in the Reds’ Champions League victory over Real Madrid, the German star struggled once again against Manchester City.

The 22-year-old’s early days at Anfield have been scrutinised as he has yet to match the form that justified his high-profile transfer from Bayer Leverkusen. Liverpool’s significant dip in form since their Premier League win in May has not helped Wirtz’s cause.

Manager Arne Slot has already faced demands to bench Wirtz in his first three months of the season, and he did so against Chelsea, but has started him in the last two matches against Madrid and City. Neville analysed the German’s difficulties in England, suggesting that he has been pushing himself too much. Speaking to NBC Sports, he said: “Maybe it’s the style. Maybe he’s more used to it [the Champions League].

READ MORE: Arne Slot fears Liverpool have ALREADY blown title defence after Man City humblingREAD MORE: Man City’s Premier League fixtures compared to title rivals after statement Liverpool win

“When I’ve watched Florian Wirtz, there’s no doubt that in points in games, there’s a real talent there. They wouldn’t have paid the money if there wasn’t that level of ability, I just think he presents a little bit naive – and that seems crazy for a player of that talent.

“He almost moves towards the ball too much, he isn’t patient enough to sit in the spaces between midfield and defence. I just feel if he stands still in the game, he drifts into positions that make it tougher for him to get the ball and he’s trying too hard.

“There’s no doubt there’s a real player there but maybe in Europe they’re more suited to it and he is.” The comments come after former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger launched a scathing attack on Slot’s tactics.

The Frenchman slammed Liverpool’s head coach, claiming Wirtz’s arrival had wrecked the Reds’ midfield balance. He stated: “When Wirtz had the choice between going to Bayern Munich or Liverpool, he said to Liverpool, ‘I come to you if I play No 10. I do not want to play wide’.

“Liverpool, to get him, they say, ‘okay. They started him and they destroyed their midfield – which was (Ryan) Gravenberch, (Alexis) Mac Allister, (Dominik) Szoboszlai.

“To play Wirtz, they took Szoboszlai out. What have they done against Aston Villa? They have gone back to their midfield of last year. And tonight, they play Wirtz – but I’m sure that Wirtz will play on the side.

“The manager has said: ‘If you want to play again, you will have to play wide because I do not want to disturb the midfield.’ That will be interesting to see tonight. Wirtz is back in the team but certainly will have to play left where he was when he played at Leverkusen.”

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