Florian Wirtz and FC Liverpool did not get past a 0-0 draw against Leeds United. The German showed a weaker performance – and subsequently had to face criticism.
Florian Wirtz had a difficult evening in the first match of the new year. The German and FC Liverpool did not get past a 0-0 draw against promoted side Leeds United – and played significantly below his capabilities.
Wirtz only managed one shot on goal and one dribble (which he lost), and statistics also counted 15 ball losses. “He wasn’t good tonight,” wrote the Daily Mail about the 22-year-old’s performance.
Florian Wirtz had a tough day against Leeds United
Press Criticizes Wirtz
After 65 minutes, the evening was also over for Wirtz. Together with Curtis Jones and Andy Robertson, he had to leave the field. For the Sun , it was “not at all surprising that Wirtz was substituted”. Sky Sports reported on a “disappointing Florian Wirtz”.
However, the German international had recently finally provided positive news in the Reds’ jersey after long initial difficulties. After his first assist against Tottenham Hotspur, he celebrated his first goal on December 27 against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Telegraph now wrote of a “step backward” compared to recent appearances: “It just didn’t work out for him.” The former Norwegian international and current expert Jan Age Fjörtoft expressed criticism on X: “Not a good game from Wirtz tonight. Always available for a pass, but too ‘slow’ in his decisions in the penalty area.”
Wirtz: Trick Causes Frustration
A scene in the 50th minute was characteristic: In a promising position in the penalty area, Wirtz lost the ball with a weak backheel trick. “The German attempts a pointless backheel and loses the ball, much to the frustration of the spectators,” summarized the Daily Mail .
The Sun wrote about the same scene: “A too short backheel ruined an attack and shortly after, the German gave away possession with an inaccurate pass.”
Wirtz will have the next opportunity to put in a better performance as early as Sunday. Then the Reds will meet FC Fulham at 4 pm