Gary Neville has not minced words when it comes to Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, labeling them Liverpool’s "biggest disappointments" after a season in which the club has been "kind to" its £200 million‑plus attacking duo. Despite the harsh assessment, Neville also expressed a lingering belief that both players possess the quality to turn things around, provided they step up their game and shed the overly gentle approach they have displayed so far.
The criticism came on the back of Liverpool’s opening Premier League fixture at St James’ Park, where Isak completed the full 90 minutes in his first return to the stadium since his record‑breaking transfer last summer. The Swedish striker, who arrived for a fee exceeding £125 million, failed to make a decisive impact, contributing little beyond a few touches and a few half‑chances. Wirtz, the 23‑year‑old German prodigy who signed from Bayer Leverkusen for a nine‑figure sum, was taken off after just over an hour, replaced by Alexis Mac Allister as Liverpool trailed 2‑1. Both forwards entered the campaign with high expectations after impressive displays in pre‑season.
Under new manager Andoni Iraola, Liverpool’s friendlies hinted at a potent partnership, with Wirtz operating as a shadow striker and Isak showing his trademark physicality and finishing prowess. However, that optimism evaporated quickly on Sunday, as neither player managed to translate the pre‑season promise into tangible results in a competitive match. During an appearance on the Gary Neville Podcast, the former Manchester United star laid out his grievances in vivid detail: "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." Neville went on to stress that raw talent alone would not suffice. "I want to put a rocket up him," he said of Wirtz, acknowledging the youngster’s technical ability but demanding greater urgency and aggression. "There’s ability there, there’s talent there, the understanding of his position, but you need to fire it up." He singled out Isak as well, noting that the Swedish forward had been a nightmare for Liverpool’s defenders at Newcastle, even when playing in a plain black‑and‑white kit.
"I never saw anybody give Gabriel, Saliba, Van Dijk or Konaté a tougher time as Isak did when he played at Newcastle," Neville remarked, emphasizing the need for the striker to recapture that ferocity on Merseyside. Despite the stern words, Neville made it clear that his faith in both players remains intact.
"I've watched them both for 12 months, and I do actually have faith in them," he said. "I think Isak's an exceptional player and we've seen it. Now Liverpool fans, teammates and coaching staff need to see that because that’s £125 million they've spent on him." Regarding Wirtz, Neville acknowledged the challenges of adapting to a new country and a different footballing culture, but warned that the patience is wearing thin. "He's young and he's come to a different country – and I'm all for willing him on.
They have both had a bit of a free ride. Obviously Isak was injured last season but Arne Slot loses his job, and Wirtz has played like that, so let's be clear, this has got me to start some real focus now." Neville also offered tactical suggestions.
He argued that Wirtz should abandon the overly free‑roaming role he has sometimes adopted and instead function more as a second striker, staying closer to Isak and providing quick, incisive passes that can unlock tight defences. "Sometimes I think he moves around too much.
Sometimes I don't think he's close enough to his striker, I don't think he understands where the game's going to be won and lost. The game is won in the final third, around the box. Combining with your striker, getting crosses in, getting little side passes down the side of the centre‑backs – I don't see him combining with Isak." The former defender’s analysis reflects a broader concern within Liverpool’s fanbase: the club has invested heavily in its attacking line‑up, yet the output has not matched the outlay.
Since Wirtz’s arrival, he has been involved in just eight league goals, a figure that falls short of expectations for a player of his pedigree. Similarly, Isak’s first season has been hampered by injuries and a lack of consistent service, leaving many to wonder whether the partnership can ever fulfil its potential.
Neville concluded with a call to action for both players and the coaching staff. "Enough's enough now, we've talked about him enough.
He needs to sort himself out. The biggest disappointment for me Sunday was those two. They need to start delivering, or the criticism will only grow louder." In summary, while the Liverpool faithful may be disheartened by a sluggish start, the message from Gary Neville is clear: talent alone will not suffice.
Wirtz must harness his technical gifts into a more focused, goal‑driven role, and Isak must rediscover the relentless drive that made him a nightmare for defenders in the Premier League. Only then can Liverpool justify the massive financial commitment and restore belief among supporters that their new front two can indeed lead the club back to the summit of English football.