Wayne Rooney: Florian Wirtz is damaging Liverpool progress

Martin Macdonald

• 30 Sep 2025 04:00 CDT
• 2 min read

News

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney believes Florian Wirtz is actually damaging Liverpool's balance and style of play at the moment.

For a short period over the summer, Wirtz became the most expensive player in the history of the Premier League, joining the Reds from Bayer Leverkusen for £116 million.

That fee was subsequently eclipsed by another deal as Liverpool signed Alexander Isak from Newcastle for £125m at the end of transfer deadline day.

Arne Slot's side spent heavily in the summer and although the season is still at a very early stage, some fans and pundits are questioning the impact of Wirtz, who is yet to score or record an assist.

In every game the German has started, he has been substituted.

Shouts of 'a waste of money' from rival fans are undoubtedly premature, but Rooney reckons that Wirtz is actively hurting his team at the moment.

The ex-England striker said on The Wayne Rooney Show podcast:

“It's been tough for him. I don't think there's any denying that. He's played OK. When you sign so many players like Liverpool have - Liverpool don't normally do this but they've signed basically a whole new frontline, and then you've got [Mohamed] Salah there as well - they're all competing and they all want to do well. Wirtz is probably the one who's not doing as well, but he's got so much ability.

"I don't see where he gets into the team. I think it was a lot of money. I think Wirtz actually damages the balance of Liverpool and how they play. He's a top player and I'm sure he will get better - but he's had a slow start and I think there's no denying that.

“I've seen players come into this league and it takes time. It's not the price tag. It's not the player or his ability. I don't see where he fits into what Liverpool do in that system. Is he a third midfield player? For me, no, he's more of an attacking player. So if I have to choose between him and [Dominik] Szoboszlai, then I choose Szoboszlai.”

Slot has deployed Wirtz in a number 10 role but with so many players vying for positions in midfield and in attack, the former Leverkusen maverick will need to show signs of improvement soon to justify his selection.

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