Liverpool's Record Signing Under Fire: Rooney Questions Wirtz's Fit at Anfield

Record-breaking deal, tepid start

English former star Wayne Rooney sparked a volley of controversy with sharp comments about Florian Wirtz's performances at Liverpool, arguing the German youngster “hurts the team's balance” and has not found a suitable role in the current system.

The remarks came after a stretch of disappointing displays from the 22-year-old since joining Bayer Leverkusen's successor in a club-record deal worth £116 million this summer.

The 22-year-old arrived amid enormous expectations after a brilliant run in the Bundesliga, where he helped Leverkusen to a historic undefeated season and their first-ever title in 2023-24. Yet he has not delivered the impact that justified the hefty price tag.

Derby disappointment and a difficult night

His difficulties were underlined when he started on the bench for the Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield, a match Liverpool won 2-1. When he did feature against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, he wasted a golden chance by shooting straight at the goalkeeper, and was taken off in the 74th minute as the manager searched for a late winner. The moment felt emblematic of a player still trying to prove himself in a new league.

Back in the starting XI against Palace, he again failed to convert a key chance; the sequence underscored the challenge of finding rhythm in a different tactical environment and against faster, more physical defenses.

Rooney: No place for him in the team

Rooney, who knows the English game well, argued that the issue isn’t the transfer value or talent but a tactical mismatch with Liverpool's approach. “It’s difficult for him, and I don’t think anyone denies that,” Rooney said. “He’s shown ability, but when you bring in this many players, especially alongside a largely rebuilt attack with Salah, competition is fierce. In my view, Wirtz is the least impactful of the new group—immensely talented, but not a fit for a third midfielder; if I had to choose between him and Szoboszlai, I’d pick Szoboszlai.” Rooney also suggested that the high price may have unsettled Liverpool’s balance and the way the team wants to play, making it harder to integrate a player who is more attack-oriented than a traditional central midfielder.

Confidence crisis and tactics

Analysts argue that Wirtz’s issues are not a reflection of his ability but of Liverpool’s tactical framework. Under Arne Slot, the team relies on rapid transitions and relentless pressure, which can demand long-distance stamina and a willingness to fulfill defensive and attacking duties in tandem. The adjustment from Bundesliga tempo to the Premier League’s intensity may require more time and a refined role for the youngster.

Wirtz, accustomed to the Bundesliga rhythm, might need additional time to adapt to the Premier League's pace and physicality. His own remarks in interviews have reflected a calm, measured approach, insisting that progress will come with consistency and patience rather than immediate heroics.

In a Sky Germany interview, he acknowledged the struggle but stressed that he remains focused on improvement each game. “I would have loved to score or assist, but I stay calm and keep working,” he said, underscoring the pressure but also his belief in eventual progress as he gains familiarity with his teammates and the league.

As the Champions League returns, Liverpool face Galatasaray in their second group-stage match on Tuesday night—a fixture seen as a potential turning point where Wirtz can finally leave his goal drought behind and demonstrate his value to a fanbase hungry for the transfer’s promised impact.

Looking ahead, the talent is undeniable, but the EPL’s speed demands a fit that unlocks his movement and timing. For some observers, more games and tailored tactical tweaks are the solution; for others, the core question remains whether the price tag and the accompanying expectations are compatible with Liverpool’s current blueprint. The coming weeks will tell if Wirtz steadies his footing or if the debate over his place and impact becomes louder still.

Punchline time: If Wirtz’s season were a video game, it would be set to “easy” but with enemy goalkeepers randomly turning into brick walls. Punchline two: Liverpool bought a lightning bolt; so far, they’re chasing it with a feather duster.