'Gone backwards': Tony Cascarino claims Liverpool 'talent' is actually getting worse by the game

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Liverpool suffered their first loss of the season at the hands of Crystal Palace, and concerns have been raised over individual performances.Arne Slot’s side lost 2-1 at Selhurst Park after Eddie Nketiah scored in the last seconds of the game from a long throw-in to cancel out Federico Chiesa’s surprising equaliser.It was a dominant afternoon for Palace at home, with the side’s almost flawless first half, beginning with an early goal from Ismaila Sarr as a compact Oliver Glasner side took full advantage of individual mistakes.While Alisson Becker put on a goalkeeping display to be proud of, Ibrahima Konate was causing issues at the back for Liverpool, with the Frenchman being dispossessed or beaten to the ball by a switched-on forward line.However, it was not only his errors during the match that caused issues with Milos Kerkez’s decision to kick the ball out of play for a throw-in, leading to the Palace winner.Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty ImagesTony Cascarino says Florian Wirtz has gone ‘backwards’Another player who faced criticism, and has been for weeks from pundits, Florian Wirtz, also faced questions, given that he did not perform on the left-hand side for the Reds.It was an interesting decision by Slot to try him on the left flank, but it did not pay off, with issues caused by not having an out-and-out winger giving their side width in the attacking areas.Instead, the German found himself lost in the opening 45 minutes and was eventually subbed off in the second half without contributing much to what was already a dismal performance.READ MORE: Arne Slot questioned over Liverpool decision which ‘doesn’t make any sense’ against Crystal PalaceTony Cascarino, the former Chelsea player, spoke on talkSPORT about his disappointment and concern with Wirtz this season after the 22-year-old struggled to hit the ground running.On the radio show, the former striker explained why he is very unsure of the 22-year-old.Cascarino said: “He played on the left yesterday, and they’re trying to shoehorn him into the team. I think he’s better as a no.

10, but he hasn’t played particularly well yet. We all know he’s a talent, but every week that goes by and he hasn’t found his feet or looks like he’s getting brighter… He’s actually gone backwards since the start of the season.⏪ "He's actually gone backwards!"😬 "I'm concerned by his performance!"Tony Cascarino wasn't happy with Florian Wirtz's performance against Crystal Palace and claimed he shouldn't be in Liverpool's starting XI 👀 pic.twitter.com/XGH2bqNP2a— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) September 28, 2025 View Tweet “I thought in the Community Shield, he probably played his best game so far for Liverpool, which he had an impact in.

It’s early days and I’m not going after him, but I’m concerned by his performance because it’s not been good.”When asked whether the player should even make Slot’s starting XI, the Irishman was brutally honest.“Well, not under current form,” Cascarino said.“Because he’s not played well enough to actually be in the starting lineup, I don’t see that at all… But whether it’s when he was in Germany playing, he had slightly more time, he keeps getting caught on the ball. And he’s trying intricate passes, and they’re not coming off.”Florian Wirtz should be rested against ChelseaWith a big night in the Champions League on the way, Wirtz will likely start considering how much he thrives in European nights.However, for the next Premier League game against Chelsea, it may be best that he makes a cameo off the bench.READ MORE: How Arne Slot can still get the best out of Liverpool’s misfiring superstar Florian WirtzIt is an all-important game now that the Reds have been handed their first loss, and it may be a game he will struggle to get up to speed with, so a switch in midfield will be needed.While the Blues have players injured and look to be struggling for consistent form, the usual midfield trio from last season may be needed to provide more security just before the international break.