MANCHESTER UNITED legend Wayne Rooney slammed Liverpool’s transfer business by claiming Florian Wirtz “DAMAGES” Arne Slot’s champions.
The German playmaker joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen for £116million this summer.
But Wirtz, the most expensive midfielder in Premier League history, is yet to score or assist for the Reds.
It’s earned him the dreaded “007” tag from rival fans – given to new forward signings who fail to score or assist in their first seven matches.
And Wirtz has already found himself in and out of the starting XI, having been dropped for the Merseyside derby win over Everton.
The 22-year-old returned for Liverpool’s weekend trip to Crystal Palace.
But he missed a sitter from five yards out before getting hauled off as the Eagles clinched a late victory.
Now, Rooney reckons the addition of Wirtz has actually left Liverpool worse off.
He feels the Bundesliga title winner “damages” the balance of Slot’s side, despite the Anfield club also spending a combined £209m on central strikers Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike.
But Wazza, who starred for Liverpool’s rivals Man United and Everton, believes Wirtz will eventually come good if he can shake off the pressure of his price tag.
Rooney said: “It’s been tough for him, there’s no denying it. He’ll be searching deep within himself to try and fix that and figure it 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, then they’re all competing.
“And I think Wirtz, he’s the one who’s not doing as well. He’s got so much ability but for me, I don’t see where he gets into the team.
“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.
“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 Dominik Szoboszlai, I choose Szoboszlai.”
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