'Biggest disappointments' - Liverpool attackers Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz slammed following Newcastle draw

Speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast, the former defender did not hold back when assessing Liverpool following their 2-2 opening-weekend draw at St James' Park. He singled out Isak and Wirtz for their lack of impact, noting that the club have been incredibly patient with the £200 million pair.

Isak played 90 minutes on Sunday, while Wirtz was substituted after an hour for Alexis Mac Allister as Andoni Iraola watched his side struggle. Neville stated: "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."

The frustration stems from the high expectations placed on the forwards, who arrived for significant fees last summer. The pundit feels they are lacking the necessary aggression to succeed.

"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," he continued.

"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. The biggest disappointment for me [Sunday] is those two."

Despite the harsh assessment, there remains confidence that both attackers can rediscover the brilliant form they showed previously. It was noted that the Sweden international had injury issues last term but still possesses immense quality.

Neville explained: "I've watched them both for 12 months, and I do actually have faith in them. I think Isak's an exceptional player and we've seen it. I never saw anybody give Gabriel and Saliba or Van Dijk and Konate a tougher time as Isak did when he played at Newcastle in a black and white shirt. I've seen him be devastating. Now Liverpool fans and his team-mates and coaching staff, they need to see that - because that's £125m they've spent on him."

Liverpool have little time to dwell on Sunday's frustrating result as they play Nottingham Forest next Saturday. Andoni Iraola will demand an immediate response from Isak and Wirtz in the upcoming Premier League fixture. Wirtz must adjust his positioning to combine more effectively in the final third, while Isak needs to find a clinical edge. The pressure is firmly on Isak and Wirtz to justify their massive price tags.