Florian Wirtz has experienced an inconsistent start to his Liverpool career following £116m Bayer Leverkusen transfer
Florian Wirtz of Liverpool
Florian Wirtz of Liverpool(Image: Alfie Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Florian Wirtz has been told to be more selfish for Liverpool - but has the attributes to become a success under the approach of new head coach Andoni Iraola.
Wirtz suffered a frustrating start to the Premier League season when he was substituted during the second half of the 2-2 draw at Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon.
The Germany international experienced an inconsistent debut campaign at Liverpool following his £116million move from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, contributing 10 goals and seven assists in 49 appearances.
And former Liverpool defender turned pundit Stephen Warnock is adamant there should be far more output from the 23-year-old.
"You've got to have more assists, more goals," said Warnock. "It almost feels at times he wants the perfect goal and sometimes I'd like to see him shoot more rather than being selfless in the way that he plays.
"I think his intensity, in the way that he plays, the way he closes down, he's got to buy into the way Iraola plays. I think he's got that side to him and he's got to be more robust and understand the Premier League is quicker than the Bundesliga.
"There were times last year where he got away from players and they got back at him. He's got to realise that in the Premier League that's not happening."
Speaking to Wettbassis.com, Warnock believes a more consistent Wirtz could maker him one of the best players in Liverpool's squad.
"The big thing with Wirtz for me is we see his ability and flashes of genius," he said. "But if you're paying that kind of money for a player, it cannot be flashes, it's got to be consistent, it's got to be for longer periods. You've got to have more assists, more goals.
"His intelligence on the ball, we know it's there. And if he learns from that this year, I think Liverpool have got a player in their hands. More consistency and have more of an effect for longer periods of the game."