EXCLUSIVE: Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith on Florian Wirtz "worries", and how Liverpool can get the balance right in its midfield this season under Andoni Iraola
Florian Wirtz reacts against Fulham at Anfield
Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith says Liverpool has a "worry" to contend with in the form of $157 million (£116 million) attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz.
So far this season, the German has notched just one goal contribution. Though he has been doing plenty of running, much more output is required alongside Alexander Isak in attack.
"For him, I think it'd be a little bit worrying, and for the manager as well," Smith tells Liverpool.com. "Second season, you're hoping that he can settle and show what he's capable of, what he showed in Germany. And the price tag will hang around his neck because he's not looking anything like a 100 plus million player.
"So that's something for Andoni Iraola. You leave him out and questions are asked.
"He's got one or two options in that number 10 position — Cody Gakpo can play there, Dominik Szoboszlai can play there. So they really could do with Wirtz, and the player himself could do with being in some form."
Wirtz is not the only midfield question that Iraola is facing at the moment. Though Szoboszlai is confident that the current set-up can work, it has looked imbalanced at times.
Florian Wirtz of Liverpool in action against Fulham.
Florian Wirtz of Liverpool in action against Fulham.(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Alexis Mac Allister has been playing well, but Ryan Gravenberch still looks a shadow of his usual self. Trey Nyoni was quietly very good against Tottenham midweek, but is unlikely to be the answer in every game.
"They continue to be a little too open," Smith says. "Szoboszlai doesn't strike me as that natural player sitting protecting.
"We saw (against Tottenham) what he can do going forward with that fantastic goal he got against Spurs.
"And you prefer him a little bit higher up the pitch. So it's a little conundrum for Iraola to solve, because at the moment, he's leaving them a little bit vulnerable."
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Full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong flying forwards hasn't helped the stability of the team, either, but Ronald Araujo's introduction has come alongside an improvement in performances.
"I see Kerkez as being able to establish himself a little bit easier, maybe, than Frimpong," Smith, speaking on behalf of Best Betting Sites, adds.
"Frimpong, I see as an attacking right-back, which is fine, but not really defensive-minded. Kerkez, I thought, did OK against Spurs, rampaging up the left, as he did for Bournemouth. And maybe with his second season, it will get better.
"So yeah, the full-back positions have been a concern. Ronald Araujo has been brought in on loan, and he played right back against Fulham at the weekend, so it might be that they'll use him this season, perhaps instead of Frimpong in a lot of matches."