Liverpool invested 225 million pounds this summer on Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, following their Premier League win. Some opinions about these players have been quite extreme.
Wirtz faced numerous memes and criticism after a slow start with few goals and assists. However, the multi-time Bundesliga Player of the Season has quickly proven his talent in recent weeks, being a key player in Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten campaign this season.
The young German international has displayed his skills as a playmaker, even in a struggling Liverpool team managed by Arne Slot, who has also faced scrutiny this season.
While Wirtz has silenced many of his critics, Isak, who cost even more, is receiving harsh criticism, some of which seems unreasonable. Just last season, he was celebrated as one of the best strikers in the Premier League, with some comparing him to Erling Haaland.
Those earlier praises were likely overreactions, just as the current view that Isak is a failure seems exaggerated. He has played only 10 Premier League games this season, scoring two goals and providing one assist.
While his statistics aren’t impressive, injuries and the adjustment to a new team should be considered. He hasn’t performed poorly in the matches he’s played, and comparing him to teammate Hugo Ekitike, who has adapted quickly to Liverpool, isn’t entirely fair.
Chances are greater that Isak will improve rather than fail to meet expectations. Even if he doesn’t live up to his hefty price tag at 26, those criticizing him now risk appearing mistaken, much like those who doubted Wirtz earlier.