Wayne Rooney has claimed that Florian Wirtz ‘damages’ Liverpool, with the £116million signing still struggling to find his feet in the Premier League.

Wirtz arrived amid huge expectations after completing a dazzling, record-breaking move to the champions this summer.

The midfielder had reached extraordinary heights at Bayer Leverkusen, orchestrating play in the centre of the pitch as the German side went unbeaten to win their first Bundesliga title in 2023–24.

However, the 22-year-old has so far underwhelmed in England’s top flight, and Wirtz was surprisingly named on the bench for the Merseyside derby at Anfield, which Liverpool edged 2-1 after a tense finale.

Restored to the starting line-up for the trip to Selhurst Park, he endured another frustrating display, missing a clear chance when he fired straight at Dean Henderson from five yards out.

He was substituted in the 74th minute for Federico Chiesa as Arne Slot’s side pushed for a goal.

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Wirtz arrived amid huge expectations after completing a record-breaking move this summer

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‘I think Wirtz actually damages the balance of Liverpool, how they play,’ Rooney said

The German remains without a goal or assist from his eight Liverpool appearances in all competitions this season.

More worryingly, Wirtz has been substituted in every one of his starts, raising doubts about the manager’s confidence in him.

Now Wayne Rooney has joined the debate, arguing that Wirtz disrupts the ‘balance’ of the team.

The former Manchester United striker said: ‘It’s been tough for him, I don’t think there’s any denying that. He’ll be searching deep within himself to try and fix that and trying to figure out.

‘I think he’s played okay, but when you sign so many players like Liverpool have, and they’ve signed basically a whole new front line while also having Mo Salah there as well, then they’re all competing.

‘And I think Wirtz, he’s the one who’s probably not doing as well. He’s got so much ability but for me, I don’t see where he gets into the team.’

He continued: ‘It was a lot of money and 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 and I think there’s no denying that.’

Given Liverpool’s attack is already crowded with established stars, Rooney makes the case that Wirtz does not get in ahead of the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai.

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Given Liverpool’s attack is already crowded with established stars, the former Man United player makes the case that Wirtz does not get in ahead of the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai (left)

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Wirtz has been substituted by Arne Slot in every one of his starts since he joined Liverpool

Rooney added: ‘I’ve seen players come into this league and it takes time. For me, it’s not the price tag, it’s not the player and his ability. I don’t see where he fits into what Liverpool do in that system.

‘So, is he a third midfield player? For me, no, he’s more of an attacking player. So if I have to choose between him and Szoboszlai, then I choose Szoboszlai.’

In an interview recently with Sky Germany, the 22-year-old has admitted that he has found it difficult finding his feet.

He said: ‘Of course I would have liked to have scored a goal or collected a few points. But no matter what anyone says, I’m staying cool.

‘I don’t want to constantly hear “give it time, give it time.” Instead, I simply try to do it better each time than before.

‘Sometimes there are just phases where things aren’t going well for you. I haven’t had that very often in my career.

‘Once I get through it – that might be harsh, because I’m not playing badly, I just haven’t got the points (goals and assists) yet – it will come at some point, and then everything will be fine.’

Liverpool face Galatasaray in their second Champions League group match on Tuesday evening, and Wirtz will be desperate to finally make an impact.