Former Premier League star slams ‘terrible’ Liverpool midfielder after win over Everton

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Liverpool attacking balance remains inconsistent

There is a tactical layer to this conversation that goes beyond individual form. Liverpool’s forward line has struggled to find cohesion, with roles and responsibilities often appearing fluid rather than defined. Salah continues to offer cutting edge, while Gakpo has shown signs of progression, particularly in recent outings.

By contrast, Wirtz has drifted in and out of games. His numbers, six goals and eight assists in 45 appearances, are respectable for a first season in English football. Yet statistics alone do not capture influence. The eye test, particularly in high tempo Premier League matches, suggests a player still adjusting to the physical and tactical demands.

Sutton’s reluctance to endorse Wirtz for Fantasy Premier League managers underscores that perception. “I wouldn’t touch Isak. And Wirtz, terrible, terrible,” he said, doubling down on his critique. It is a remark designed to provoke, but it also highlights a wider concern about reliability in Liverpool’s attacking structure.

Pressure grows on Wirtz adaptation curve

Adapting to a new league is rarely linear, especially for an attacking midfielder expected to dictate tempo and unlock defences. Wirtz has been tasked with knitting together phases of play in a side that has itself lacked rhythm. That context matters.

Liverpool have not consistently controlled matches, which places additional burden on creative players. When the midfield platform is unstable, attacking contributions can appear sporadic. Wirtz has shown glimpses of intelligence in movement and passing, but confidence appears fragile, particularly in recent weeks.

There is also the psychological dimension. High profile arrivals carry expectation, and when early performances do not immediately justify the hype, scrutiny intensifies. Sutton’s remarks, while harsh, echo a sentiment shared by sections of the fanbase who expected more immediate impact.

Season context shapes Sutton narrative

It would be simplistic to isolate Wirtz as the root of Liverpool’s uneven campaign. The broader narrative is one of transition, with structural and stylistic adjustments still bedding in. That said, individual accountability remains part of elite football.

Sutton’s critique lands because it taps into visible inconsistencies. Liverpool have been capable of strong results, including derby success, yet rarely look fully convincing across ninety minutes. In that environment, players like Wirtz become focal points for analysis.

Whether Sutton’s assessment proves fair will ultimately depend on what follows. The final weeks of the season offer an opportunity for Wirtz to reassert himself and reshape perception. More importantly, the next campaign will be decisive. If he can translate flashes into sustained influence, the narrative will shift quickly.

For now, however, Sutton’s words linger. They are sharp, arguably unforgiving, but not entirely disconnected from what has been seen on the pitch. Liverpool’s trajectory, and Wirtz’s place within it, remains one of the more compelling subplots heading into the next phase.