Mats Hummels’ bold Florian Wirtz prediction already looks badly wrong after Liverpool vs Newcastle

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There was plenty wrong with Liverpool’s performance during their 2-2 draw against Newcastle in the first official game of the Andoni Iraola era.From the full-backs looking a million miles away from the players Liverpool need, to Alexander Isak’s inability to get into the game at all, Reds fans came away with far more questions than answers.While those concerns remain writ large in the mind, however, the biggest one arguably remains just how exactly do Liverpool get the best out of Florian Wirtz? Who do you think was Liverpool’s worst player as they snatched a draw with Newcastle?

There were some really poor performances… Credit: Getty Images/Molly Darlington 2026/27 was supposed to be a fresh start for the German, with compatriot Mats Hummels tipping him for at least 25 Premier League goals and assists this term.But after a badly ineffectual performance at St James’ Park, Wirtz looks a long, long way from being that player, and it is really harming the team.Wirtz just does not look like clicking for LiverpoolIn many ways, this was a very typical Florian Wirtz performance since his arrival at Liverpool last summer.He was tidy with his passing, completing 29 of 33 attempts, created one chance and completed one of his two dribbles. But on this evidence, he will struggle to hit double figures, let alone three times that.Anyone hoping for a better second season at Anfield will not give up hope on the 23-year-old, and nor should they, but this was another disappointing day at the office.Liverpool’s midfield is not working with WirtzBaked in with the trouble with Wirtz is what exactly are Liverpool supposed to do to balance a midfield which looks badly out of kilter.Ryan Gravenberch will take most of the flak on Sunday after giving the ball away twice on the edge of the Newcastle box, with the Magpies somehow scoring from both giveaways.

Who are you backing to be Liverpool’s best player in 2026/27 and why? Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai push on, and that, coupled with Wirtz being even more advanced, means Liverpool have nobody to clear up the inevitable mess when the Reds lose it.Wirtz can work in this system, but it means one of Liverpool’s other midfielders need to sacrifice their attacking instincts.Regardless of that, though, the Germany international just has to be doing more when he gets his chance.