Liverpool's $157M transfer decision has backfired and patience is running thin

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The Reds' collapse at Old Trafford raises further questions about the squad's readiness to compete at the top level — and one player in particular endured a nightmare startFlorian Wirtz had little impact in Liverpool's defeat to Manchester United, prompting bigger questions about his Liverpool role(Image: Getty Images)It took just 53 seconds for the howls of derision to begin.Misplacing a simple pass to the extent it trickled out for a throw-in is hardly the ideal start to such a high-profile fixture.When Florian Wirtz signed for Liverpool last summer, he would no doubt have eyed up a first Old Trafford bow with intrigue. Now, Arne Slot's side will conclude a trophyless season with a nervous dash to the finish line to secure a Champions League place.The reasons for Liverpool’s decline this season are infinite, but Wirtz’s form is certainly among them.

I commentated on Liverpool away at Burnley earlier in the season, and I described Wirtz as being neat and tidy. He's a year into his Liverpool career.”Wirtz struggled to make an impact on the game at Old Trafford(Image: Getty Images)That lack of cutting edge is becoming a problem.

This wasn’t quite the impact FSG or Slot imagined when they fought off competition from Europe’s elite clubs to sign Wirtz last summer.That he has produced just three goals and two assists in his last 15 Liverpool games is alarming. I have to accept it, I'm feeling very good now on a physical level.”Admittedly, Wirtz has been hamstrung by the general downturn and gloom at Liverpool this season.