Wirtz’s strengths are clear.
Following his latest performance, no player has created more chances in the Premier League this season. He is level with Brighton’s Pascal Gross on 18.
He played in Munoz to begin Liverpool’s fightback, meaning Wirtz has assisted in back-to-back games for Liverpool across all competitions for the first time – although this was only his second goal involvement in seven league games this term.
He was at the heart of Liverpool’s attack, with a match-leading 12 final-third entries and 37 passes in the final third.
However, only Milos Kerkez (20) lost possession on more occasions than Wirtz (19) among Liverpool players, and he won just one of his nine duels.
“They don’t look solid and don’t look together in terms of shape,” Murphy said.
“Instead of a number 10, where Wirtz is struggling to impact games, put three midfielders in.
“Always, the priority is foundation, defence, stability, being hard to beat. The other stuff can follow from there.
“At the moment, it just looks a little bit open. Against better teams, you’re going to get hurt.”
