Wayne Rooney Singles Out Liverpool Star Who is 'Damaging' Arne Slot's System
Liverpool’s title chances suffered a blow on Saturday as they fell to a surprise 2-1 defeat against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
The defending champions looked a shadow of their usual selves in the first half of the match, falling behind to an Ismaila Sarr goal.
The hosts would have suffered further embarrassment were it not for a superb performance from goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
The Reds improved after half-time and were able to get back on level terms thanks to Federico Chiesa’s finish, but the drama didn’t stop there.
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Palace bounced back into the lead in dramatic fashion when Eddie Nketiah scored in the seventh minute of stoppage time.
It was Liverpool’s first loss of the season, but Arne Slot’s side had struggled at several points during their opening six matches of the campaign.
They needed late goals to beat Burnley, Arsenal, Newcastle, and Bournemouth in the Premier League while also leaving it until the second minute of stoppage time to score the winner against Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.
Now Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has had his say on what's gone wrong for Slot’s team.
Rooney believes that new signing Florian Wirtz is damaging the balance in the Liverpool team.
The German star signed for the Reds for a reported £116 million from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen in the summer.
Rooney said that Wirtz needs to look deep inside himself to get back on form during an appearance on BBC Sport‘s The Wayne Rooney Show.
“It’s been tough for him,” said the former England captain.
“I don’t think there’s any denying that and he’ll be searching deep within himself to try and fix that.
“Liverpool don’t normally do this, and they’ve signed basically a whole new front line, they all want to do well.
“They’re all fighting against each other to get in the team, and I think Wirtz is the one who’s probably not doing as well, but he’s got so much ability.
“I would have went for Ekitike and Isak.
“I think Wirtz actually damages the balance of Liverpool, how they play.
“But he’s a top player and I’m sure he will get better.
“Of course he will. But he’s had a slow start.”
Liverpool boss Slot will hope Wirtz rediscovers his best form and quickly.
They next face Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday night before returning to Premier League action against Chelsea on Saturday.
Topics: Liverpool, Premier League, Wayne Rooney, Crystal Palace, Football, Arne Slot
Jonathan Bray