Andoni Iraola has insisted that Florian Wirtz is playing better than his numbers show as he hit back at the Liverpool star's critics.
Wirtz has come in for plenty of stick since his £116million move from Bayer Leverkusen and endured a difficult first season in English football. New boss Iraola quickly pencilled him as his starting No.10, playing behind a rapidly changing front three.
Bradley Barcola and Victor Munoz both signed during the summer window, while the return to fitness of Alexander Isak and form of Cody Gakpo has given the Reds a host of attacking options.
Wirtz's start under Iraola
Wirtz has started all four games under Iraola so far, but only has one assist to his name. His performance in midweek against Atletico Madrid also drew criticism, despite him covering more distance than any other player on the pitch.
But Iraola is adamant that Wirtz's performances shouldn't be analysed through goal contributions alone and that he is more than happy with what he is offering.
"He played very well against Atletico Madrid," said Iraola. "He helped us a lot, also he was very good on the ball and overall I was very happy with his performance."
Iraola's verdict on Wirtz's critics
"The game against Ipswich in the second half he lost more balls than normal but overall I have been very happy with his performances.
"He is a good player out of possession who helps us in our press. But he runs the same as the 10 of Arsenal, the 10 of (Manchester) City, the 10 of Fulham and more or less his stats are very similar to the number 10s other teams have."
He added: "I agree (he has been unlucky). I remember the 'goal' he scored against Nottingham Forest, he could have had very good assists but we haven't finished them.
"But that is why you cannot just play because of the numbers. Whether a striker scores a lot of goals or he doesn't score a lot of goals, you have to look at the performances. Does he help us to play well? Yes."
Gerrard backs Wirtz
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard was also impressed with Wirtz's contribution against Atletico. He said: "His service has been a lot better tonight, he's been unlucky not to get an assist.
"And he deserves a break, he's been under pressure, he's got a lot of stick, a lot of criticism, but I've been impressed with him tonight."
Wirtz has started all four of Liverpool's games this season, with Iraola confident that goals and assists will come as the team improves collectively.
