Florian Wirtz put in a much-improved performance for Liverpool but the German was "disappointed" as the Reds could only draw 2-2 2 with Nottingham Forest at Anfield
Liverpool attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz.
Liverpool attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz.(Image: Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)
Liverpool star Florian Wirtz was left "disappointed" after the Reds drew 2-2 with Nottingham Forest, despite the German putting in a much-improved performance.
After Liverpool drew with Newcastle at St James' Park on matchday one, Reds legend Jamie Carragher was among those to criticize Wirtz, who arrived from Bayer Leverkusen last summer in a deal worth up to $157 million (£116 million) including add-ons.
But the 23-year-old was unfortunate to see a good goal chalked off on Saturday when Jeremie Frimpong was offside, and then produced an excellent pass to tee up Victor Munoz's late equalizer in the second half.
"I'm very disappointed," Wirtz told the club website post-match. "Of course we demand from ourselves the most.
"We couldn't take the three points again, so that's why I'm disappointed. We have to keep working on the things we can do better and we have to get back to winning ways.
"(Fighting back to 2-2) was good but we want more, we don't want to be proud of that we came back into the game after we conceded, we want to be on top of the opponents and want to be better than them and take the wins."
One positive was Alexander Isak scoring, while Munoz getting off the mark can only be a good thing too.
Florian Wirtz slides in to make a tackle during Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest.
Florian Wirtz slides in to make a tackle during Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest. (Image: Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
"I'm happy for these two guys; they deserved it," Wirtz added. "They are really working hard in training and every game. I'm very happy for them."
Earlier in the week, Carragher had questioned if Wirtz would ever be able to put in the kind of showings that would justify his price tag.
"I just don't believe that midfield can function with the personnel in there," Carragher said on Sky Sports Monday Night Football. "I'm not saying that on the back of this game. I've said it all pre-season. It's only one game but for me, it doesn't work.
"I’ve been seen as being critical of Wirtz maybe last season. This thing that it takes players a year to settle in the Premier League, I think is a bit of a myth. I don't think there's too many examples.
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"When I see people say he’s got to be number 10, that means Szoboszlai has to be in the team in central midfield. He is not a central-midfield player.
"I thought this would come up in six weeks, I think it’s coming up right now. I don’t see where he fits in at all."
Liverpool.com says: Wirtz still has a lot of work to do but this was a step in the right direction. After Carragher's comments, he looked determined to leave an impression, especially early in the game.
His assist in the second half was one of a number of forward passes that he played that offered a glimpse of what he can offer. Now, he needs to do it every game, and hope those around him can up their levels too.