As Liverpool prepare for a high-stakes Premier League clash against Manchester United, former Reds midfielder Danny Murphy has made a bold selection plea to manager Arne Slot. With Alexis Mac Allister underperforming and Florian Wirtz yet to shine, Murphy believes now is the time for the German star to return to the starting XI—despite his lack of recent goal contributions.
Murphy: Time to Trust Wirtz’s Creative Spark
Florian Wirtz, who arrived at Anfield this summer in a blockbuster £100 million move from Bayer Leverkusen, was benched in Liverpool’s recent defeat at Chelsea—a result that allowed Arsenal to reclaim top spot in the Premier League table. However, Danny Murphy sees potential where others see inconsistency.
The ex-Liverpool midfielder insists Wirtz should be backed in Sunday’s showdown with Manchester United, despite registering only one assist all season—in the Community Shield. “Let him play through it,” Murphy said in an interview with The Mirror. “The magic will come.”
Mac Allister’s Dip in Form Raises Concerns
Murphy’s recommendation isn’t just about Wirtz’s promise; it’s also a reflection of Mac Allister’s recent struggles. The Argentine was partially at fault for Moises Caicedo’s spectacular goal in Liverpool’s 2-0 loss at Stamford Bridge and has looked a shadow of his former self this season.
Having missed pre-season, Murphy believes the 25-year-old is still catching up physically. “You can see he’s not at the level he was last season,” he explained. “It’s not that I’m not a fan—I think he’s a terrific player—but right now, Liverpool need more energy in midfield.”
Preferred Midfield Trio: Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch
Murphy advocates for a more dynamic midfield trio to face United. His pick? Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch as box-to-box midfielders, with Wirtz operating in a more advanced role.
“Szoboszlai can drift right and support the full-back when Salah stays high up,” Murphy noted. “And both he and Gravenberch bring the athleticism this team needs right now.”
Murphy also acknowledged the qualities of Curtis Jones but stressed the importance of energy and adaptability in big matches. “At this moment, those two [Szoboszlai and Gravenberch] are the most athletic options we have,” he added.
Lescott Unimpressed by Wirtz’s Impact So Far
Not everyone is on board with Wirtz’s inclusion. Former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott has expressed serious doubts about the German’s contribution since joining Liverpool.
“I’m not convinced,” Lescott admitted. “If Liverpool were offered their money back, I think they’d take it.”
Lescott pointed to the Burnley match as a turning point where Wirtz should’ve stepped up. “When you’re an attacking player and we need a goal, you shouldn’t be the one getting subbed off. You should be the one making something happen,” he said.
Verdict: Time for Slot to Back Wirtz or Stick with Experience?
As Arne Slot finalizes his game plan for Sunday’s clash at Old Trafford, he faces a key midfield dilemma: stick with the more experienced Mac Allister or roll the dice on a talented but underperforming Wirtz?
With Murphy advocating for change and Lescott calling for caution, all eyes will be on Slot’s team sheet—and whether Wirtz can finally deliver the moment of brilliance Liverpool fans have been waiting for.
