Liverpool lost 2-0 to PSG in the Champions League quarter-final first leg.
Wirtz was signed to be the creative fulcrum of Liverpool’s attack, expected to unlock tight defences.
But in recent games, especially against compact sides, he has become a passenger rather than a game-changer.
This defeat marked Liverpool’s most embarrassing European result since 2020, raising alarm over their big-money signings.
Journalist Lewis Steele delivered a damning verdict on X immediately after the match:
“I’ve been quite lenient on Florian Wirtz this season as I am certain he will live up to his price tag in the near future. But so many of these games I am left thinking: what does he do? So ineffective and when you cost £100m, you want way, way more.”
The criticism highlights a growing concern: Wirtz’s elite close control and vision haven’t translated into goals or assists.
While his technical ability is undisputed, his impact in high-stakes matches remains minimal.
At Bayer Leverkusen, he was a passeur décisif and buteur combined. At Anfield, he’s yet to replicate that influence.
The second leg at Anfield is now a must-win. If Liverpool fail to progress, Arne Slot’s project could face a crisis of confidence.
Wirtz must deliver a standout performance to silence doubters. Without it, his £100m price tag will dominate the summer narrative.
Club insiders are monitoring his development closely. A decision on his long-term role could come by June.
