Emile Heskey backs Florian Wirtz amid Liverpool criticism
Nach the weak performances, Florian Wirtz, the 23‑year‑old German national player, finds himself under sharp criticism, while former England striker Emile Heskey has stepped forward to defend him, sparking a stark contrast between the Liverpool‑based pundits and a veteran forward’s support.
Carragher's scathing verdict
Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher labelled Wirtz’s display as one of the poorest he has ever seen in a Liverpool shirt after the club’s 1‑0 victory over AFC Bournemouth on Saturday. He argued that the German contributed nothing and that the team showed no sign of improvement. Carragher also urged Liverpool‑coach Andoni Iraola to make a decisive choice about the youngster’s future.
"Wirtz was again really bad. There was simply nothing. It was one of the worst performances I have ever seen from him in the Liverpool shirt. I think Iraola must make a decision. For me he must not be in this team," Carragher said in his post‑match podcast.
Heskey's defence and tactical outlook
Emile Heskey countered that the blame does not lie solely with the German. He noted that Wirtz has struggled to adapt and that external circumstances and teammates must also be considered, adding, "It was very difficult for him to come from Germany. The Premier League is something else."
Heskey also echoed Wirtz’s own words that "die Spieler sind nicht auf derselben Wellenlänge wie er", suggesting the squad are not on the same wavelength as him. He described Wirtz as a linking player who needs his colleagues to make runs to maximise his impact.
Since Andoni Iraola took charge, Wirtz has been deployed primarily as a number‑ten playmaker, a shift from former coach Arne Slot who often used him on the half‑back flank. Heskey believes this renewed role suits Wirtz better, but stresses that the German must develop greater goal threat.
Against Bournemouth, Iraola started Wirtz, but the midfielder failed to impress and was substituted after 71 minutes for Trey Nyoni. After six competitive appearances for Liverpool, Wirtz has recorded only one direct goal involvement, an assist.