Don't write off Florian Wirtz — Germany lynchpin can silence doubters

Florian Wirtz's form became a hot topic during Liverpool's poor run last autumn. Gary Lineker suggested removing the No.10 from Arne Slot’s starting line-up to ease the spotlight, but still believed the £100 million signing would eventually prove his worth, citing his Champions League pedigree.

Other former players were less forgiving. Jamie Carragher called Wirtz "neat and tidy" and, after a 3-0 defeat at Manchester City, said he looked like "a little boy" who needed to stand up. Gary Neville argued that a nine-figure signing moving to a new country must begin delivering at the expected level.

Wirtz worked on his physicality and his goal and assist numbers improved after opening his Liverpool account in the 2-1 win over Wolves on December 27, yet he still struggled to impose himself in some of the club’s biggest games as Liverpool endured a calamitous campaign.

Germany, Liverpool

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