{
  "id": 14244226,
  "title": "Liverpool's Wirtz problem - does he need to be dropped?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/liverpools-wirtz-problem-does-he-need-to-be-dropped",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-13T16:45:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC Sport Football",
    "slug": "bbc-sport-football",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cvglw07rx6jeo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Liverpool's recent loss to Manchester City has reignited discussions about the effectiveness of their new signing, Florian Wirtz. Despite earning a £116 million transfer fee, the German midfielder has struggled to make an impact on the pitch. Over 56 appearances, he has only contributed with seven goals and 11 assists, failing to register any goals against top-tier opponents last season. The situation has become even more concerning as Andoni Iraola, the team's new head coach, has opted to replace Wirtz in crucial moments, such as during the City match when Trey Nyoni came on in the 66th minute. Former Liverpool defender Steven Warnock has criticized Wirtz's lack of impact, stating that he \"doesn't hurt teams\" and \"drifts in and out of games.\" Additionally, Jamie Carragher has called for Iraola to drop Wirtz, arguing that the team needs more scoring and creating chances. With key players Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, and Dominik Szoboszlai sidelined, the pressure on Wirtz to deliver is mounting. However, his former manager Jurgen Klopp and current teammate Steven Gerrard believe in Wirtz's potential and urge patience. Wirtz did have a standout performance in a Champions League match against Atlético Madrid, but moments like these are too few and far between. It remains to be seen whether Wirtz can adapt and rise to the challenge of his high-profile transfer.",
  "summary": "More than a year since his £116m move, Florian Wirtz is still struggling to hit top form at Liverpool - so does he need to be dropped?",
  "key_points": [
    "Florian Wirtz cost £116 million to Liverpool.",
    "Only seven goals in 56 appearances, no goals against top teams.",
    "New coach Andoni Iraola has substituted Wirtz in crucial moments."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Sport",
        "title": "Liverpool's Wirtz problem - does he need to be dropped?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/liverpools-wirtz-problem-does-he-need-to-be-dropped-14244246",
        "published": "2026-10-13T16:45:59.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}