Ahead of the second round of Premier League fixtures, The Athletic published an article discussing Wirtz's situation, arguing that he needs a specific environment to perform well, but Liverpool has been poor for nearly a year.

Old problems persist into the new season. Wirtz's performance at Liverpool has drawn criticism.

There is no doubt that Wirtz has failed to live up to expectations since his £116 million transfer from Leverkusen to Liverpool last summer. He must also take responsibility for the shortcomings in his debut season. The move from the Bundesliga to the Premier League is inherently challenging, and he understood what it could entail when he joined.

However, this style of reporting is somewhat unfair. Wirtz is often portrayed as the sole underperformer in an otherwise healthy team, but that is clearly not the case. Compared to Klopp's excellent teams and the squad that won the Premier League in Slot's first season, Liverpool have played awkwardly and fragilely over the past 13 months, lacking identity, fluidity, and confidence.

Under such conditions, how many players in world football could still thrive? Strikers sometimes manage it, because their role—converting chances or missing them—is relatively straightforward and binary, just under greater pressure. But few players can be placed at the centre of a team and still be expected to perform regardless of team morale or chemistry.

Rhythm is equally important.

People's memories of Wirtz in Germany are almost universally the same. The player could always drive forward with the ball, always with the ability to accelerate further. His game relied heavily on instinct, quick decisions, and chemistry with teammates. His touch was light and natural then; now he plays more slowly, more cautiously, and seems less certain of what he is doing.

In Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Newcastle United last weekend, there was a particularly revealing attack in the second half. Wirtz collected the ball near the halfway line, drove forward, and attempted to pass to Gakpo through the middle as he advanced toward the box. Gakpo failed to anticipate the pass, didn't time his run properly, and reacted slightly too late. The ball was intercepted, and the attack broke down.

It doesn't matter who bears responsibility for this failed attack. Should Gakpo have matched his teammate's tempo, or should Wirtz have played the ball to his feet, adjusting to the Dutchman's habits? These aren't the most crucial points. More importantly, Liverpool's attacks, especially those involving Wirtz, frequently break down this way. Someone tries, but something is always just slightly off.

This isn't solely Wirtz's responsibility, nor is it Gakpo's fault—it's more like a mismatch, where neither party is getting what they need. And this is the context that must be included when evaluating the situation.

Before his expensive transfer to Anfield, Wirtz's environment at Leverkusen was ideal. He had a double pivot ahead of him led by Xhaka, who consistently provided penetrative passes. On the wings were the attacking pair of Grimaldo and Frimpong, who posed individual threats and created space for Wirtz through their movement and positioning, or offered passing options for him to exploit.

Furthermore, Alonso's Leverkusen frequently used their striker as a pivot rather than purely an attacking threat. Whether Boniface or Schick, the player in this role would often drop deep, vacate the box in possession-based attacks, draw defenders with his movement, or create link-up opportunities for Wirtz.

The point is not that Liverpool should play like Leverkusen. Nor is it that Slot should reshape his new team around one player. Does that really work in modern football? The real insight is that Wirtz was a player shaped by his environment at Leverkusen, and the same is true at Liverpool, just with completely different results.

Furthermore, it is truly premature to draw conclusions about his future in England after Slot's first competitive match in charge. The Premier League is full of examples of players performing better or worse after an environmental change.

Even within Liverpool's own history, consider the careers of Robertson and Henderson, who succeeded precisely because they adapted strongly to the team and that particular era. Then look at transfers like Núñez or Naby Keïta, who ultimately failed to meet expectations.

Premier League teams have always relied equally on combinations, not just individuals. Torres and Gerrard. The front three of Firmino, Salah, and Mané—a perfectly balanced combination that fit seamlessly into Klopp's style.

Looking further afield, consider Dembélé's career trajectory over the years. He was marginalized at Barcelona, only to become a Ballon d'Or winner three years later at Paris Saint-Germain. Or consider the significant improvement in Kane's performances at Bayern after Luis Díaz joined the Bundesliga last summer.

A single player's talent is never enough; the key is placing him in the right environment.

Barcola will likely join Liverpool in the coming days, which will again shift the team's internal chemistry. He will benefit some teammates and affect others. But until Slot actually assembles all these pieces—both existing and future additions—into a cohesive team, nobody knows what effect any individual can have in any position.

That, of course, includes Wirtz, regardless of his transfer fee.

Traduzido por IA.

O site do AF já está online! Acesse notícias completas, comentários, detalhes de partidas e estatísticas no seu computador. Acesse: www.allfootballapp.com