---
title: "‘Do better’ – Gary Neville sends firm message to Liverpool midfielder"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/do-better-gary-neville-sends-firm-message-to-liverpool-midfielder/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Vishal Subramanian"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2026-10-11T16:27:21Z"
modified: "2026-10-11T16:27:31Z"
---

# ‘Do better’ – Gary Neville sends firm message to Liverpool midfielder

**Liverpool and Manchester City are yet to find the breakthrough at Anfield as a competitive first half ended 0-0.**

The Reds came into the game with notable absentees as Dom Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak missed out, among others.

And in recent weeks, a lot has been said about Florian Wirtz, who continues to blow hot and cold at Liverpool.

For many, however, his first international break under Jurgen Klopp was a success as he scored and captained his country.

But now, Gary Neville feels he needs to be the glue of the team after a subpar performance in the first half.

## Gary Neville criticises Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz

Starting in the No.10 role, Wirtz was expected to provide the inspiration for Liverpool after a string of strong displays for Germany.

However, he was once again not at his best as he gave the ball away a handful of times.

> 1 – Liverpool's Florian Wirtz is the only player to rank in the top 10 in the Premier League this season for each of:\
> \
> High-intensity pressures in opp half (181 – =7th)\
> Runs ahead of the ball (34 – =1st)\
> Defensive line-breaking passes (16 – 8th)\
> \
> Perceptions. [pic.twitter.com/KGXJpF7w38](https://t.co/KGXJpF7w38)
>
> — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) [September 22, 2026](https://x.com/OptaJoe/status/2102421454457340325?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

“Florian Wirtz has got to do better,” said Neville on Sky via the [BBC](https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/cr3el8xwnnxkt).

“I know we’ve said that a lot over the past few weeks. He should be the connection, the glue, that links Liverpool’s midfield and attack.”

He wasn’t terrible, but Liverpool need the 22-year-old to come to the fore to unlock games like this.