Liverpool edged out a 4-2 victory over Bournemouth in their Premier League opener, though it was far from a straightforward affair.
For much of the second half, the Anfield side found themselves under pressure and, at moments, it seemed as though defeat could be on the cards.
Hugo Ekitike impressed on his debut at Anfield, making a strong impact, but several of Liverpool’s other new arrivals failed to shine in the same way.
Former defender Stephen Warnock even suggested that one particular player appeared to be “struggling” during the contest.
Stephen Warnock Thinks Florian Wirtz Needs to Step Up His Game
Several of Liverpool’s summer signings made their first appearances at Anfield on Friday night.
Although a couple delivered respectable performances, the majority appeared off the pace.
Speaking on BBC Radio Five Live, with his comments later relayed by BBC Sport, Stephen Warnock shared his assessment of Florian Wirtz’s display.
“The one player that I have noticed that is struggling a bit, but he needs to get up to the speed and the physicality of the play is Florian Wirtz,” he said.
“You are looking at him thinking, he just needs to be aware of players coming off his shoulder and nicking the ball off him.
“The game is a lot quicker here than in the Bundesliga.”
Despite securing all three points at Anfield on Friday, it was evident that Liverpool still have plenty of refining to do.
Ekitike has settled in quickly, but several others remain some way off the required standard.
Even established figures like Ibrahima Konate fell short of expectations in their opening Premier League fixture of the 2025-26 campaign.
Arne Slot is determined to defend the league crown, yet performances like the one seen for much of the second half will make it difficult to compete with the likes of Manchester City.
With more than two weeks still to run in the summer transfer window, it would be a major surprise if Liverpool did not look to strengthen further given how their first two matches have unfolded.
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