Gary Neville has issued a pointed warning to Liverpool pair Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, insisting the club's record signings must start justifying their price tags after a subdued display in the season-opening draw with Newcastle United.
Wirtz, who endured a difficult introduction to English football following his big-money move to Anfield, was withdrawn after 60 minutes as Liverpool searched for a way back into a match they trailed 2-1. The German attacking midfielder struggled to leave a mark on proceedings, prompting Neville to voice his frustration on his own podcast.
"He needs to sort himself out. Enough's enough now, we've talked about him enough. He's young and he's come to a different country – and I'm all for willing him on," Neville said. The former Manchester United and England defender was quick to stress that his criticism stems from a belief in Wirtz's underlying quality rather than any doubt over his ability.
"I can see a real player there, but I can't keep watching this stuff and he's been subbed after an hour and they need a goal, but they're 2-1 down, so that's not right," he continued, pointing to the timing of the substitution as evidence that the youngster is not currently delivering the impact expected of him.
Neville went further in dissecting what he sees as a lack of urgency in Wirtz's game, suggesting the playmaker needs a shift in mentality and positional focus to unlock his best form. "I don't see the tenacity in Wirtz, in particular. I see a nice player moving around the pitch not really ever looking like he is busting a gut to do anything," he said, before adding that he wanted to "put a rocket up him" given the talent and tactical understanding he believes Wirtz possesses.
According to Neville, part of the issue lies in how Wirtz interprets his role within Liverpool's system. "I just feel like Wirtz had to really think about being involved in the build-up less, think about being the second striker rather than the third midfield player and the output of what he has to do," he explained, implying that a more advanced, goal-focused mindset could better suit his qualities.
Isak, making his first appearance back at St James' Park since his high-profile switch, similarly failed to impose himself on the game and drew comparable criticism. Neville grouped the two together as symbols of Liverpool's enormous summer outlay, noting the scale of investment now demands tangible returns.
"The big thing for Liverpool is they've got this quarter-of-a-billion-pound front two, Isak and Wirtz and bloody hell, we've been kind to those two," Neville remarked. He warned that patience among supporters and pundits alike will not last indefinitely. "They're going to have to start playing sooner or later or else, to be fair, they're going to get quite a lot of criticism. I think they are going to have to start delivering."
Neville acknowledged that both players have so far been given something of a grace period, factoring in Isak's injury issues last term and the managerial upheaval at Anfield that saw Arne Slot take charge. However, he made clear that such allowances are coming to an end. "They have both had a bit of a free ride. Obviously Isak was injured last season but Arne Slot loses his job, and Wirtz has played like that, so let's be clear, this has got me to start some real focus now," he said.
With the Premier League season now underway, the spotlight will intensify on Liverpool's two marquee attackers as they look to answer their critics in the weeks ahead.
Based on reporting from Independent (football).