Overview

• The Germany international has yet to record a goal or assist in six Premier League outings since joining from Bayer Leverkusen for a reported £116m.
• He was left out of the starting XI for the Merseyside derby win and then started at Crystal Palace, where he missed from close range and was substituted in a late defeat.
• Rooney argued the 22-year-old does not naturally fit Slot’s midfield structure and said he would select Dominik Szoboszlai instead.
• Liverpool also invested heavily in centre-forwards Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, with reports putting their combined fees at about £209m, heightening selection pressure.
• Despite the criticism, Rooney called Wirtz a top player and predicted improvement as he adapts.