Neville criticizes Liverpool's £240m duo after 2-2 draw

Liverpool's expensive attacking duo Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak faced sharp criticism following their lackluster performances in a 2-2 draw with Newcastle United on Sunday, August 23, 2026. The result saw the Reds needing a stoppage-time penalty from Dominik Szoboszlai to rescue a point in Andoni Iraola's first Premier League match as manager. Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville stated the two players, whose combined transfers cost over £240 million, were the biggest disappointments of the season opener at St James' Park.

Wirtz, a £116 million signing from Bayer Leverkusen, was substituted in the 63rd minute with Liverpool trailing 2-1. The forward created only one chance during his time on the pitch and contested fewer duels than any other Liverpool starter. Isak, who joined for a reported £125 million from Newcastle, made his first return to his former club. Despite recording four shots and contributing significantly to Liverpool's expected goals tally, he failed to convert two clear chances. Neville argued that both players have not yet justified their substantial price tags.

"The big thing for Liverpool is they've got this quarter-of-a-billion-pound front...