“The biggest disappointment” – Neville points finger at Liverpool duo after Newcastle match

Liverpool’s expensive attacking duo Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak are already under pressure to deliver after Gary Neville criticised their performances in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle United.

Andoni Iraola’s side needed a 99th-minute Dominik Szoboszlai penalty to rescue a point at St James’ Park, with both Wirtz and Isak struggling to influence the game.

Considering Liverpool have invested more than £200m in the pair, Neville believes the period of patience cannot last forever.

The Guardian also highlighted how both players struggled to make an impact in a difficult opening league fixture.

Wirtz & Isak told to start delivering for Liverpool

Speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast, Neville questioned whether Liverpool are getting enough from their two marquee attackers.

“The big thing for Liverpool is they’ve got this quarter-of-a-billion-pound front two, Isak and Wirtz and bloody hell, we’ve been kind to them.

“They’re going to have to start playing sooner or later or else, to be fair, they’re going to get quite a lot of criticism. For a start, they’re too nice, and if you’re going to be nice, you’d better be incredible at football.

“I don’t see the tenacity in Wirtz in particular. I just see a nice player moving around the pitch, not really ever looking like he’s busting a gut to do anything.

“Now, that can happen. Sometimes players have that flow about them, but I want to put a rocket up him. I want to put a rocket up him because there’s ability there, there’s talent there, the understanding of his position.

“The biggest disappointment for me [Sunday] is those two.”

Iraola needs the duo to become match-winners

Neville’s criticism is harsh, but the underlying point is fair.

Liverpool did not spend extraordinary money on Wirtz and Isak simply for tidy performances. They were signed to decide major games.

Wirtz in particular needs to impose himself more consistently rather than drifting through matches, while Isak must rediscover the ruthless finishing and movement that previously made him one of the Premier League’s best forwards.

There is no reason for Liverpool to panic after one game, but expectations are different when transfer fees reach this level.

Iraola will give both players time, yet if Liverpool intend to challenge for the title, their two biggest attacking investments cannot regularly be passengers.

They need to become the players Liverpool turn to when matches are tight, not the ones supporters are asking to see more from.