Florian Wirtz critics know Liverpool truth - even if they don't want to admit it

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.

The 'lowlights' compilation from his unofficial debut against Manchester United wasted no time in going viral after Liverpool's first pre-season friendly.

But while the Reds called time on the raw Uruguayan's rollercoaster Reds career this summer - after three mixed seasons - does anyone truly believe Wirtz is going to go down as an Anfield flop?

He is one of six new senior outfield signings at Liverpool this summer.



But it was always going to take time for the Reds and their new recruits to adjust and hit top form.

Eyebrows might have been raised at Arne Slot's decision to bench Wirtz against Everton, but there was definite logic behind his choice as the German continues to adjust to the physicality of the Premier League.

"This is one of the most intense games that we have to play, so we try to manage it during Burnley and Atletico," the Dutchman explained ahead of kick-off.

But a substitute showing against Everton after an impressive performance against Atletico has only fuelled the 'Juan Sebastian Veron' argument from rivals, too.

Manchester United signed the Argentina international in a £28.1m deal from Lazio in the summer of 2001.

But, while he regularly impressed in the Champions League, when afforded more time on the ball and greater protection from referees, he never showed his true quality in the Premier League.

Having seen the Argentine's experiences at Old Trafford first-hand, Gary Neville has unsurprisingly suggested such a notion more than once, too.

But it is an easy, perhaps even lazy, narrative to push during Wirtz's formative weeks in England.

After all, scratch beneath the surface and, while not replicating his Bayer Leverkusen levels just yet, he is actually playing his part and compares well to his team-mates.

He has created nine chances from his five Premier League outings, with Cody Gakpo (10) the only Reds player to register more.

Salah is third on 0.14.

The German is contributing in the final third, even if the goals and assists are not flowing just yet.

Meanwhile, against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last week, Wirtz produced his best performance for Liverpool yet.

No-one really doubts the playmaker, not in the long-term anyway, even if those of a non-Reds persuasion don't want to admit it.

Liverpool are rightly confident that Wirtz will be a major player for the Reds for years to come.