Florian Wirtz has six-word instruction for Liverpool return to right early wrongs

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Florian Wirtz has failed to make a major impact at Liverpool so far(Image: Getty Images)

Gary Neville and Rio Ferdinand are in agreement about Florian Wirtz - he needs to slow down.

Bournemouth, Newcastle and Arsenal all posed stern challenges, but given his price tag and status as one of the world's most highly-rated midfielders, expectations remain sky-high.

Discussing his early-season struggles after Liverpool's 1-0 win over the Gunners in August, Neville issued Wirtz a clear six-word instruction: "Bloody stand still for a second!"

"I think he's a little too predictable," the former Manchester United and England right-back expanded on his self-titled Gary Neville Podcast.

And I'm thinking, 'Bloody stand still for a second!'

"I'm watching him drift between the lines, he's probably moving too quick.

I used to think that when they were moving it caught the eye of the defenders, it caught the eye of the midfield players, and they were easier to mark.

"I always thought when they just walked and looked disinterested, and then all of sudden they made a quick movement - that was when you got done [as a defender] in the pocket.

He's still trying to build chemistry with attacking team-mates like Mo Salah and Hugo Ekitike(Image: Getty Images)

"So there's two things.

"I saw a stat today that said Wirtz is running more than any player in the Premier League," the former Red Devils centre-back said.

"Gotta slow down.

If he wants to be a success - he's so eager to do well, I understand it - but sometimes press pause, stand still, [and] the game will come to you."

Wirtz's stunning free-kick reminded fans what he's capable of(Image: 2025 Getty Images)Article continues below

Wirtz registered an assist in Liverpool's Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace last month, but has struggled to impose himself since.