07 Sep 2026 15:00:39
I really don't think Wirtz should play in the middle, he is too weak, not sure where he fits in TBH. Would happily sell him in Jan for less than we paid and get someone more dynamic in.
07 Sep 2026 15:20:08
And what is ‘dynamic’ meant to mean in this context, exactly? Or indeed any context that word has ever been used in.
I still think Wirtz will be fine in the end. I’ve seen enough from him to know the talent that is there.
07 Sep 2026 15:25:52
I don’t understand all this Wirtz bashing. Last season was a disaster. We are 3 games into a new season with a new manager and players. Give him some time.
07 Sep 2026 16:04:01
Wirtz is a class act. You can see he has it. Just a matter of time, finding his own rhythm and a way for him to get the best out of him and himself.
07 Sep 2026 16:06:54
Maybe it’s because people want someone to bash or a scapegoat, as some would say. Before, it was Salah and now it’s Wirtz.
It’s only three games into the new season, with a new manager and a completely different style of play from last season. If Iraola can turn Semenyo and Scott into good players, I firmly believe Wirtz will be fine.
07 Sep 2026 16:39:04
People have always needed someone to bash Todd.
We got rid of Jones so they need a new whipping boy.
Can't remember in our history when we didn't have one no matter how well we did.
07 Sep 2026 16:43:56
I think the answer is to play 4-4-2 with Wirtz in the 'Bobby' role as a false nine/second striker in front of a diamond midfield.
I like to see that...
07 Sep 2026 17:50:14
I wouldn’t. AI’s system thrives on pace out wide. How do you get the best out of our wingers with a diamond? We also don’t have the midfielders to play it. Wirtz is playing as a second striker and he is doing alright this season.
One assist, and involved in the goal v Forest.
Plus two close offsides have prevented him a goal and another assist. For someone who is “not involved”, he is clearly contributing to the attacks whilst he can and probably needs to do a bit better. He certainly is not a problem.
07 Sep 2026 18:54:34
Yes Red Rebellion, we’ve just spent 140mil on wingers to then use a formation that doesn’t require them. ?
07 Sep 2026 19:18:58
I think labelling it "Wirtz bashing" is a bit of an overstatement; the criticism is warranted for a player who cost £115m but I agree he needs more time. Personally I think it's way too early to even consider selling him and am willing to give him the season before developing a full opinion. You can see his ability is top class, but he just hasn't managed to assimilate yet.
Part of it is the demand of the league, part of it was Slot's tactics, part of it was being played in the wrong position. 2 of those factors are gone now, so no more excuses this season. Really hope he learns to adapt and develop his relationship with the front line, as you can see the natural ability he has, there's no doubt about it.
{Ed666's Note - Enzo cost Chelsea the same amount of money and I didn’t see much world class from him.
07 Sep 2026 22:37:03
Wirtz needs to bulk up physically and mentally.
I watch him and just wish he'd play with more bite ya know. If we could transfer a bite of Luis Suarez into him (ok, puns coming in, I know...), then he'd be amazing in the prem.
It may still come, but his personality doesn't seem to be that kind of dogged / determined attitude.
He's graceful and delicate, which has strengths so hopefully we can get the best out of those.
I do think in the way we set-up that Dom is the best suited to the 10 role that Wirtz is playing. If we did have a Camara in the team, then Camara + Macca/Grav behind Dom would give everything in midfield.
07 Sep 2026 23:43:54
Not sure David Silva was tearing up trees in his first season either...
It's mad how little time people give players to shine these days.
08 Sep 2026 03:33:22
D. Silva started slow, then his quality shone out through his debut season in England. 21 G/A in his debut season in England, playing 53 games, may not be what you'd consider pulling up trees, but I'd say it is closer to the kind of return you'd expect for a spend over 100 mill quid.
08 Sep 2026 06:20:25
I bet Chelsea wish they had given Salah and KDB more time.
They turned out ok!