'We've been kind to them' - Gary Neville slams Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak after Liverpool's draw with Newcastle
Gary Neville believes Liverpool pair Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz are "too nice" and need to improve going forward or risk facing further criticism following below-par displays against Newcastle.
It was an afternoon to forget for both Isak and Wirtz as Liverpool walked away from St James' Park with a fortunate point.
On his return to Newcastle, club-record signing Isak missed two huge opportunities and had just six touches in the opposition box, while Wirtz was replaced after the hour mark after struggling to make an impact.
Since joining the club for big fees, both players have underwhelmed for large spells. In fact, Gary Neville thinks fans and pundits alike have been "too kind" to the pair.
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Speaking on his Gary Neville Podcast after Sunday's 2-2 draw, the former Manchester United defender delivered a scathing assessment of Isak and Wirtz while stressing that he retains "faith" in both players.
"The big thing for Liverpool is they've got this quarter-of-a-billion-pound front two, Isak and Wirtz and bloody hell, we've been kind to them," said Neville from the St James' Park gantry.
"They're going to have to start playing sooner or later or else, to be fair, they're going to get quite a lot of criticism. For a start, they're too nice, and if you're going to be nice, you'd better be incredible at football.
"I don't see the tenacity in Wirtz in particular. I just see a nice player moving around the pitch, not really ever looking like he's busting a gut to do anything.
"Now, that can happen. Sometimes players have that flow about them, but I want to put a rocket up him. I want to put a rocket up him because there's ability there, there's talent there, the understanding of his position."
Neville continued: "The biggest disappointment for me [Sunday] is those two. I've watched them both for 12 months, and I do actually have faith in them.
"I think Isak's an exceptional player and we've seen it. I never saw anybody give Gabriel [Magalhaes] and [William] Saliba or [Virgil] Van Dijk and [Ibrahima] Konate a tougher time as Isak did when he played at Newcastle in a black and white shirt.
"I've seen him be devastating. Now Liverpool fans and his team-mates and coaching staff, they need to see that - because that's £125m they've spent on him.
"And then Wirtz, he needs to sort himself out. Enough's enough now, we've talked about him enough. He's young and he's come to a different country - and I'm all for willing him on.
"They have both had a bit of a free ride. Obviously Isak was injured last season but Arne Slot loses his job, and Wirtz has played like that, so let's be clear, this has got me to start some real focus now.
"I can see a real player there, but can't keep watching this stuff and he's been subbed after an hour and they need a goal, but they're 2-1 down, so no that's not right."
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola will be relying on Isak and Wirtz to step up, especially following the departure of Mohamed Salah, who they relied on so heavily for goals.
Topics: Liverpool, Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Premier League, Gary Neville
Jack Kenmare