Liverpool may have claimed a 2-0 win over West Ham on Sunday, but the champions still showed signs of fragility throughout the contest. The opening 45 minutes at the London Stadium were sluggish from both sides, yet Florian Wirtz still attempted to rise above the criticism and inject some urgency, as goals from Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo secured Arne Slot his first league victory in four matches.
The £116 million summer signing has been under intense scrutiny since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen, with many arguing he has struggled to adapt to the speed and physicality of the Premier League. After failing to produce a single assist in 12 league outings, he quickly became a headline name in lists of disappointing transfers.
He isn’t alone in facing pressure, with fellow new arrivals Milos Kerkez and record signing Isak also experiencing difficult spells. But unlike others, Wirtz has consistently shown flashes of the talent that made him such a coveted acquisition, and many felt his latest performance offered further proof that the criticism has been disproportionate. His display suggested Liverpool have a highly skilled creator who is beginning to settle.
Wirtz’s Display Against West Ham
