Theo Walcott has claimed that Arne Slot has a player at Liverpool who looks “fearful” when he plays for them.
Liverpool have been in poor form for the last month or so, and while they may have put in a couple of decent performances over the last few weeks, the negatives have outweighed the positives.
A lot of this is likely down to a lack of confidence, coupled with the fact that most of Liverpool’s first-team squad still haven’t got used to how one another plays just yet.
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Of course, if things haven’t improved by Christmas and the Reds are still getting beaten 3-0 by their title rivals, then the excuse of the team not gelling together will no longer be valid as they’ll have had plenty of time to do so.
The international break is now upon us, which may give the Reds’ players some much-needed time out of the spotlight.
A dejected Arne Slot manager / head coach of Liverpool at full time during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool at Etihad Stadium
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
However, that hasn’t stopped Walcott from claiming that one of Liverpool’s players looks scared.
Theo Walcott thinks Florian Wirtz is fearful of making a mistake for Liverpool
One of the main talking points from Liverpool’s entire season is how poorly some of their new signings have performed.
Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, and Jeremie Frimpong are just a few names that spring to mind.
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However, due to the injuries sustained by Isak and Frimpong, it’s Wirtz who seems to be getting the most flak for his underperformance.
And now, while speaking on the It’s Called Soccer Podcast, Walcott has claimed that he’s now “worried” about Wirtz after what he’s seen him do this season.
“But I am worried about him [Wirtz]. I really am. Looking at him I do feel like he’s fearful of just making a mistake,” he said.
“That’s the problem. When you’re playing in a team that’s not confident, it’s hard to get that flow.
“But I do worry about players that come from different cultures into the Premier League because they’re shocked from actually how fast it is.”
Liverpool’s attack must start converting the chances that Florian Wirtz creates for them
Statistically, Wirtz’s start to life as a Liverpool player has been extremely poor.
The attacking midfielder only has three assists to his name, with none of his teammates able to convert the chances he creates.
This is shown by the sheer number of chances the German has created this term in both the Premier League and Champions League.
Florian Wirtz of Liverpool during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Anfield.
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
If the rest of Slot’s men actually improved their final third form and proved they have what it takes to earn Liverpool points, Wirtz would likely be much more successful.
But, for now, he’s going to have to wait and see if everything starts falling into place; otherwise, some tough questions are going to be asked.