Florian Wirtz faces criticism following slow start at Liverpool

Liverpool playmaker Florian Wirtz is under pressure following a series of underwhelming performances early in the season. The Germany international, who signed for a base fee of £100 million last summer, has recorded only one assist through five appearances. Following a goalless draw against Fulham at Anfield, pundits Jason Cundy and Jamie O’Hara questioned the midfielder’s impact and decision-making on the pitch. O’Hara specifically cited Wirtz's failure to find striker Alexander Isak during promising attacking sequences. While Wirtz managed seven goals and 10 assists in 49 appearances during his debut campaign, manager Andoni Iraola now faces the task of extracting more consistent offensive contributions from his record signing. Club expectations remain high for the 23-year-old as he continues to adapt to the Premier League environment.

• 8:55 AMYahoo Sports — “I am not convinced” – Pundits take aim at struggling Liverpool star