Richard Keys Stirs Discussion Over Florian Wirtz’s Merseyside Derby Omission

Richard Keys has offered an intriguing take on Florian Wirtz’s omission from Liverpool’s starting XI for the Merseyside Derby.

Wirtz had started all four of Liverpool’s previous Premier League fixtures after his £116 million summer move from Bayer Leverkusen but has struggled to fully settle in England. The 22-year-old, who shone in the Bundesliga, has been largely ineffective in games against Newcastle and Arsenal. Having played from the start in midweek against Atletico Madrid, Arne Slot opted to bench the German playmaker for Saturday’s clash with Everton.

Naturally, Wirtz’s exclusion became one of the biggest talking points before kick-off. Speaking on beIN SPORTS, Keys debated the decision with Jason McAteer and Andy Gray, asking:
“What does it say that Wirtz isn’t starting today?”

McAteer suggested Slot’s choice was tactical, given the physical challenge Everton would pose. Keys pushed back, questioning whether Wirtz might lack the attributes needed to thrive in the Premier League’s high-intensity matches, saying:
“Does that mean he doesn’t have the tools for the hurly-burly of the Premier League when the games really matter?”

He went on to note that Wirtz was “anonymous” against Arsenal and wondered if this fixture would have played out similarly had he started.

Speaking to TNT Sports before the game, Slot explained that the decision was purely down to squad rotation and fixture congestion. He pointed out that Liverpool had played three matches in seven days and said:
“Szoboszlai has handled the intensity of the league and schedule better so far, having been here longer. It’s nothing to do with performance — Florian will play, but not from the start today.”

Wirtz is also expected to be among the substitutes for Liverpool’s Carabao Cup clash with Southampton next Tuesday but will be eager to force his way back into the XI when the Reds face Crystal Palace on September 27.