Liverpool’s summer splashes, Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, seem to be falling short of expectations, with noted Liverpool expert David Lynch expressing apprehensions that one of the pair may struggle to succeed at Anfield.
The Reds invested approximately £450 million during the summer transfer window, aiming to bolster their squad to retain the Premier League crown. However, the ambitious plans appear to be unraveling, as the current campaign sees them languishing in 12th position after 12 matches, far adrift of league leaders Arsenal.
Wirtz, brought in for £116 million, and the £130 million signing Isak, have collectively managed just one goal and four assists. Isak was chosen to start in the recent 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, despite Hugo Ekitike’s promising form, while Wirtz missed the clash and will be absent from the Champions League meeting with PSV Eindhoven due to injury.
David Lynch believes the Forest fixture would have been ideal for Wirtz to help unpick entrenched defences, yet is already worried about Isak’s prospects at Liverpool. Speaking to Sports Mole, Lynch remarked: “Matches like this are tailor-made for someone like Wirtz to dismantle low defensive set-ups, if fit. We need to see more from him upon his return, and the same applies to Isak. My concern with Isak is that his debut season might be written off because he missed pre-season. Starting him against Forest was incomprehensible.
“Age, injury proneness, these factors make you fear it might not work out. Perhaps it sounds pessimistic, but hefty transfer fees amplify pressure. They must perform perfectly, and both Isak and Wirtz are far from that standard.”
For Wirtz, missing out on proving himself against systems akin to those he overcame in Germany is likely frustrating for both player and club. As for Isak, accustomed to English football, the reasons for his dip in form remain elusive. Liverpool will be hoping once fully free from injury, he can replicate the feats that saw him net 27 goals for Newcastle last term.