EXCLUSIVE: Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith believes that Florian Wirtz can still work out for Andoni Iraola in the number 10 role, while Alexander Isak offers a "big boost"
Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz of Liverpool.
Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz of Liverpool.(Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside via Getty Images)
Florian Wirtz is a problem that Andoni Iraola would have rather avoided, according to the former Arsenal striker Alan Smith, with Jamie Carragher this week calling for the German playmaker to taken out of the Reds starting XI.
After he struggled against Bournemouth last weekend, Wirtz came under fire for his performance. So far this term, he has just one assist (and no goals) to his name after six appearances.
"Well, it's a bit of a conundrum, isn't it? When you paid so much money for somebody like that, you're just waiting for things to click, and things aren't clicking," Smith told Liverpool.com.
"So for Andoni Iraola, in his early months as the Liverpool manager, it's probably a problem he didn't really want to have.
"He knew there'd be challenges. I'm sure he looked at Wirtz and he saw him as one of his challenges, so how he deals with that will be really fascinating to see, because he does have options at the 10.
"I mentioned last week that I think Dominik Szoboszlai is more suited to an advanced position, and Cody Gakpo is doing ever so well.
"So I'm sure on the training ground he's working with him and talking to him and just trying to get the best out of him. We'll see whether he stays in the team."
Liverpool attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz.
Liverpool attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz.(Image: David Horton - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Essentially playing alongside Wirtz in a front two, Alexander Isak has scored four goals in five appearances so far in the league. While he isn't offering much beyond those strikes, keep netting at that rate, and it won't be too big an issue.
"Isak is a lovely player to watch," Smith says. "As a former center-forward myself, I do like watching him — there aren't too many like him.
"He's just so smooth with his movements, takes his chances coolly. So that's a big boost. It was a loss with him getting injured last season.
"It'd be interesting — we've mentioned this before — when Hugo Ekitike gets fit, but that's a bit down the line. So as things stand, at least that's not a problem area for Iraola."
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While the attack might still take some time to click, Liverpool has at least strung three Premier League clean sheets together on the bounce. Defensively, things are very much heading in the right direction.
"Jacquet, he's only a young lad. He's come in, and he's really settled quickly next to Virgil van Dijk, who I'm sure has been a big help," Smith, speaking on behalf of Best Betting Sites, adds.
"Ronald Araujo as well, lots of experience. The right back slot was a problem.
"The left back, not quite so much of a problem — I think Milos Kerkez has settled. But yeah, the defense, he's had a few clean sheets lately. They seem to be getting things together in that area."