Wirtz Struggles at Liverpool Despite International Form

Liverpool's high-profile summer signing Florian Wirtz has struggled to adapt to the Premier League, contributing no goals or assists in 11 appearances as the club sits eighth in the standings, eight points behind leader Arsenal following a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City before the international break.

The 22-year-old German international joined from Bayer Leverkusen for a club-record 116 million pounds, a fee that was quickly surpassed by Alexander Isak's 125 million pound move from Newcastle. Wirtz's integration has been hampered by the league's physical demands and pace, with former Manchester United defender Gary Neville criticizing his display against City as particularly poor. "He looked like a little boy out there," Neville said on his podcast, noting that Wirtz was "mauled" by opponents and failed to deliver in key moments despite his technical ability. Neville added that the midfielder, a German international of standing, must develop the tenacity needed for English football.

Reports from German outlet Sport Bild have pointed to teammate Mohamed Salah as a factor in Wirtz's difficulties. The Egyptian forward, 33, has recorded four goals and two assists in 11 matches but...