Wirtz was signed to improve Liverpool’s creativity between midfield and attack. If his goals, assists and chance-creation numbers remain modest, criticism is justified because those are central measures of his role.
The mistake would be treating one disappointing output line as a complete assessment. A player can influence matches through progression, combinations and pressing before the headline numbers arrive. Those contributions still need to become more consistent, but they make an immediate verdict premature.
Wirtz developed into one of Europe’s most technically gifted attacking midfielders at Bayer Leverkusen. His best work comes when he receives between the lines, turns quickly and connects midfield runners with the front line.
That profile should fit Liverpool, although the demands are different. The Premier League is more physical, transitions are faster and possession can be less controlled. His adaptation may require a different position, a steadier role or stronger relationships around him.
A record fee should not force Liverpool to start him regardless of form. It should, however, encourage the club to give a major investment a proper development window.
Liverpool should track the trend rather than react to every quiet performance. More regular involvement, improved attacking output and a clearer influence on matches would strengthen the case for patience. If the low numbers persist across a sustained run, the debate becomes more serious.
For now, Wirtz looks like a developing star under pressure, not an established failure. The next block of league and European fixtures will reveal whether his statistical output begins to catch up with his reputation.