Jamie Carragher says Florian Wirtz should be dropped by Liverpool after the £116 million signing produced another subdued performance in the 3-0 Premier League defeat by Manchester City at Anfield.
The former Liverpool defender believes Wirtz has been given sufficient opportunities to establish himself in the starting line-up and should no longer be guaranteed a place in the No. 10 role.
Wirtz was withdrawn in the 66th minute after struggling to influence the match, which became Liverpool’s first league defeat of the season following Ryan Gravenberch’s controversial second-half dismissal.
Jamie Carragher calls for Florian Wirtz to leave Liverpool’s starting XI
Speaking live on Sky Sports, Carragher criticised the German international’s inability to make a decisive impact in important matches and said Liverpool must consider changing their approach.
“The Florian Wirtz where he’s almost nailed on that he plays every week in that No. 10 position, it has to stop. I think Liverpool have given him enough chances and he has to come out of the team,” he said.
Wirtz arrived at Liverpool with considerable expectations, but he has yet to score in the Premier League this season. His latest display against Manchester City intensified scrutiny over whether he is consistently producing the attacking quality associated with his transfer fee.
The 23-year-old recorded 46 touches during his 66 minutes on the pitch, completing 20 of his 24 attempted passes. He managed one shot, which was off target, created no major chances and won four duels.
Those figures came as Manchester City controlled the midfield during a convincing victory at Anfield. Wirtz was unable to provide Liverpool with a significant attacking threat before being replaced by manager Andoni Iraola.
Wirtz’s Liverpool form contrasts with Germany performances
Wirtz’s domestic struggles contrast with his recent displays for Germany. He scored against Serbia during the international break under Jurgen Klopp, but has found it more difficult to reproduce that form in the Premier League.
Iraola must now decide whether to continue with Wirtz in his preferred position or make the change urged by Carragher, as the pressure on Liverpool’s major summer signing continues to grow.
