Liverpool claimed a 1-0 win over Bournemouth as the Merseyside club builds momentum after a difficult start to the 2026/27 campaign.
The Reds took the lead through Alexander Isak and held on to secure three crucial points heading into the extended international break.
However, Liverpool attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz was brutally criticised by Troy Deeney during the game.
He claimed the Liverpool playmaker is overthinking his football and does not yet look comfortable in the Premier League.
Wirtz started the game but struggled to influence proceedings as Liverpool were made to work hard for all three points.
His passing accuracy was just 63 percent in the first half, the lowest of any Liverpool player.
The £116.5 million signing did eventually make a telling contribution, playing a key role in Isak scoring the winning goal after the interval.
However, Deeney was far from convinced by Wirtz’s overall performance. He said the 23-year-old doesn’t look like he belongs in this league.
He stressed that the criticism was not about his technical ability, lauding him as ‘unbelievable’.
Deeney argued that Wirtz is slowing Liverpool’s attacks because he takes too long to decide.
He prevents teammates such as Bradley Barcola and Cody Gakpo from receiving the ball quickly.
He also highlighted Andoni Iraola’s frustration on the touchline as his former club attempted to contain Liverpool.
After Isak’s winner, Deeney delivered an even more cutting assessment of Wirtz’s current struggles.
“His brain’s working quicker than his body,” he said, adding that the midfielder is not playing free and appears to be overthinking everything.
Wirtz remains under serious pressure after a difficult start to life at Anfield.
The Germany international arrived last summer after a sensational final season in Germany.
His first Liverpool campaign produced a meagre seven goals and nine assists, falling short of the huge expectations attached to his British-record transfer fee.
Liverpool will hope his second half showing can provide the spark needed to finally unlock his best form.