Former Liverpool striker Dean Saunders has sounded his concerns over Florian Wirtz and a big moment incoming for Reds boss Arne Slot
Florian Wirtz of Germany and Liverpool
Florian Wirtz of Germany and Liverpool(Image: Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
View Image
Former Liverpool striker Dean Saunders believes Florian Wirtz has become "a bit of an issue" - and that Arne Slot could be sacked if the Reds are dumped out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain.
Wirtz was in impressive form for Germany over the international break with two goals and two assists in the 4-3 win in Switzerland and another starring role in the 2-1 home triumph over Ghana.
The 22-year-old experienced a slow start to his Anfield career after arriving in a £116million deal from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, but has since gone on to register six goals and nine assists.
But Saunders reckons that return is insufficient to make up for what he regards the attacking midfielder interrupting the balance of the Reds' engine room.
FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE!All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook page
"I thought when he scored a couple of goals, he'll come good," said the ex-Wales international. "He's involved in a lot of intricate moves around the box.
"He still looks a bit lightweight on the pitch, and if you think back to Jurgen Klopp's era when (Philippe) Coutinho used to play as the third midfielder, Liverpool used to score more goals and let more in.
"He then got rid of Coutinho and played a midfield of (James) Milner, (Jordan) Henderson, Fabinho or (Gini) Wijnaldum. He had three aggressive, not creative, workers in midfield. They decreased the amount of goals they conceded and scored more.
"Wirtz, it's a problem because if you play him on the left, he's not going to run back. He tries, but he cannot stay with his man, when you're away from home and struggling.
"If you play him at number 10, he's got to produce, and he's not really produced. So it's a bit of an issue. We can see that he's talented, and fingers crossed he might come good next season."
Wirtz will be hoping he is integral as Liverpool face a big 11 days starting with Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final at Manchester City, which is followed by a two-legged Champions League last-eight clash against Paris Saint-Germain that sandwiches an Premier League clash at home to Fulham.
And speaking to Pariurix.com, Saunders said: “One week can be crucial for Slot. If Liverpool beat PSG, there will be no rumours about Arne Slot leaving. But if they get beaten by PSG, then it is a different story.
“PSG is a very tough draw. They have some really good players, but Liverpool can beat anyone on their day. I am still backing PSG to win and if that happens, then I think we can talk about who the next manager should be. You can call it make it or break it for Arne Slot.
“One thing I can say for sure, and I hope Arne Slot already knows this, but the Liverpool fans won't accept the way they are playing. They cannot and will not accept this playing style going forward.”
Content Image
Content Image