Given that Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai are all currently sidelined, it would be a big call to drop Wirtz – but Liverpool have two games every week between now and the November international break.
With Gravenberch suspended for Saturday’s trip to Brentford, Iraola will likely keep the Dutch midfielder in for Wednesday’s Champions League game against LASK in Austria and give a start to Nyoni. More changes are expected from Sunday’s defeat.
When it comes to the intensity of the top flight, Wirtz is still finding his feet, but his best performance this season came in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid and he was unlucky not to get an assist when Bradley Barcola fired wide.
Asked on Tuesday if Wirtz needed more time, Iraola defended his player and said: “The other day, he probably he didn’t have his best game but he has had good games with us this season.
“Everyone starts looking for answers. He had some good performances in the national team – he scored one goal and he will have better or worse games.
“But I would like to look at it more collectively and more how they help us play and get results and after that I don’t care who scores. I think it’s a more collective thing.”
Seeing Wirtz excel for Germany under Jurgen Klopp is proof – if it was needed – as to why he was seen as one of the hottest talents in world football when he joined Liverpool.
“Attacking players always need a functioning team that works well around them. Anyone who loves football can still see how outstanding Florian is as a player,” Klopp said recently.
That is also a view shared by Steven Gerrard.
“I can just picture him beating himself up on how his Liverpool thing has started. This kid is a major talent in my opinion. I’ve seen enough to believe and give him a chance. I think he needs help and support now,” Gerrard told The Overlap.
Wirtz created 95 chances from open play in all competitions last season – at least 27 more than any other Liverpool player – and his fizzing pass for Victor Munoz’s equaliser against Nottingham Forest in August showed a glimpse of his class, but those moments have been few and far in between.
Against City at the weekend there was a moment at 0-0 when Wirtz hit an effort wide despite having Barcola and Milos Kerkez in space on his left. It was a poor decision from a man desperate for a big moment.
Back in August, Wirtz spoke candidly about how he felt “more ready” for his second season at Anfield. The physicality was a key aspect, with bulking up a big focus of his first campaign.
“I definitely learned a lot. I just learned how Premier League football is played and I think I am more ready for my second season because I know how it is now. I am really excited for my next season,” Wirtz said then.
He impressed in pre-season but two months into the new campaign, Wirtz needs to start delivering sooner rather than later.
If not, then Iraola will be left with a tough decision to make.
