BBC Radio Merseyside's Mike Hughes believes criticism of Florian Wirtz's form for Liverpool has reached "immense and intense proportions" after another underwhelming display in the 3-0 defeat by Manchester City.

The German attacking midfielder's performances have been under the microscope of fans and pundits since he arrived at Anfield due to the heavy £116m price tag Liverpool shelled out for him a year ago.

After a mixed first full season at the club, Wirtz has failed to kick on this season and has not become the talisman many fans thought would be featuring for the Reds after a much hyped few years in Germany's Bundesliga.

Speaking on The Red Kop podcast, Hughes said: "The scrutiny on Florian Wirtz has now reached immense and intense proportions only because he hasn't delivered prior to this.

"It's not something that's just happened. It's no anti-Wirtz campaign among Liverpool fans.

"The amount of games he's played and he's been here for a season and a bit for Liverpool, he hasn't scored enough goals and he hasn't created enough opportunities for other players. Not enough assists, not enough goals."

Co-host Paul Salt added: "It's also frustrating his use of the ball at times is really, really sloppy and quite often in areas of the pitch where you can't afford to be sloppy."