Paul Scholes has agreed with Gary Neville's verdict on a major problem facing $328M Liverpool duo Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, who Andoni Iraola needs to get the best out from
Paul Scholes has offered his opinion
Paul Scholes has offered his opinion(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Paul Scholes says Gary Neville's assessment of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz was correct, with the Sky Sports pundit suggesting earlier this week that both need to be more assertive in their play.
Against Newcastle, Isak and Wirtz were fairly anonymous, though the latter forced a good save from Lukas Hornicek in the first half. Liverpool needs more from the pair, but there has only been one game of the new season so far in which to judge them.
"I saw Gary's bit," Scholes said on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast. "I watched a bit of it this morning, and I agree with him. Both of them have really struggled, and I think they are both obsessed with being involved with goals. I'd forget that for a minute.
"I'd strip it right back and say, 'Right, everything I have got to do now has to be aggressive.' I don't mean aggressive by smashing people and tackling people.
"Control the ball properly. Make sure you're ready. Pass the ball into people properly. Be really aggressive with everything you do. They've got the quality. That will come."
Signed for a combined sum of around $328 million (£241 million), Isak and Wirtz struggled on the opening weekend of the season, but the former in particular won't face an atmosphere as intense as that this term.
Liverpool fans will want more out of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz this season
Liverpool fans will want more out of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz this season(Image: Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
In the next few games, with Nottingham Forest up next, a reaction is required as the front two look to establish themselves as the chief post-Mohamed Salah plan at Anfield.
"I think they are both very good players," Iraola told TNT Sports ahead of the new season kicking off. "It's true that they were in different places last season. Alex had a season full of injuries, so basically, he couldn't really find the rhythm.
"And Florian, I think he played well. Probably he can play better and he can give a little bit more, but he has some continuity. We want to use him in good spots on the ball. I think he understands the spaces very well.
"Sometimes he gets too attracted to the ball, but he understands the game very well. I think he asks the right questions, he likes football, he likes the tactics, so I think he's someone that is easy to work in terms of coaching and I appreciate it."
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"I think with Alex it's a matter of having him available, so it gives him games in a row, minutes in a row, a better physical condition, more confidence in his body," Iraola added.
"He has the technical ability, he's a number nine who can attack the spaces, who can come to receive, and to have both things at a good level is not easy. And he has this, so I hope we can put him in the right place mentally, physically, so we can show his level that we know is very high."
Liverpool.com says: Getting the best out of Isak and Wirtz is the key for the Reds this season. Do well, and Liverpool will thrive. Struggle, and Iraola's side isn't going to be able to compete at the level that it wants.