lead-art-block.fullscreen-enterExpandFlorian Wirtz in action for Liverpool
Florian Wirtz in action for Liverpool
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola insists he has no concerns about the form of Florian Wirtz.
The Germany international, who had an underwhelming first season at Anfield following his £116million move from Bayer Leverkusen last year, has also made a slow start to the new campaign.
The 23-year-old playmaker has registered just one assist in five appearances for the Reds in all competitions this term.
Andoni Iraola on the touchline
Andoni Iraola on the touchline (Peter Byrne/PA)
He received the backing of his national team manager Jurgen Klopp this week and Iraola has now echoed the sentiments of the former Liverpool boss.
Iraola, who is unbeaten in six games since taking charge, said: “He should be judged like everybody else – if he plays well or doesn’t play well, or as I always say how does the team play when you are on the pitch?
“I am very happy with Florian. I rate him very highly. He understands what we need from him. He’s training to help us in every aspect of the game.
“Obviously he will want to add assists or goals but he is helping us in a lot of different areas and also we could give him some rest the other day that I think he needed because he has been making a good effort in the games.”
Bradley Barcola has yet to play 90 minutes for Liverpool
Bradley Barcola has yet to play 90 minutes for Liverpool (Peter Byrne/PA)
Iraola is confident another expensive recruit, £123m man Bradley Barcola, will soon get up to speed.
The Frenchman is yet to play a full 90 minutes since moving to Anfield from Paris St Germain at the end of the summer transfer window.
Iraola said: “With Bradley, the more times he plays the better he will become.
“He has come straight in without pre-season minutes but in a good shape and, like all the signings coming from other leagues, he will need some time to adjust to the rhythm of the Premier League.
“But he is very used to playing in high-level games and I see him in a good place.”
Rio Ngumoha has been named in the England squad
Rio Ngumoha has been named in the England squad (Peter Byrne/PA)
One player who has caught the eye this term is 18-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha, who has been named in the latest England squad.
Ngumoha was given his first cap by manager Thomas Tuchel in a pre-World Cup friendly in June but was not involved in the tournament itself.
He will link up with another player Iraola knows well, the Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, in the party for England’s upcoming UEFA Nations League games.
Iraola managed Alex Scott at Bournemouth
Iraola managed Alex Scott at Bournemouth (Peter Tarry/PA)
Liverpool will coincidentally come up against Scott as they travel to Iraola’s former club in the Premier League on Sunday.
Iraola said: “I’m very happy for both. They both absolutely deserve it. They went to help the national team before the tournament and I am sure they did a good job.
“I can only speak so well about both. It’s very deserved and they are very ready. I hope they enjoy it.”