Jamie Carragher Questions Florian Wirtz's Form After Liverpool Defeat
Jamie Carragher has questioned Florian Wirtz's recent performances for the Reds following Sunday's 3-0 Premier League defeat to Manchester City at Anfield.
The former Liverpool defender believes the Germany international has not made a sufficient impact in the team's attacking play and has suggested that manager Andoni Iraola should consider leaving him out of the starting line-up.
"I think he needs to come out of the team, I said that last time out and I'm going to say it again," Carragher said on Sky Sports.
Carragher's criticism centres on Wirtz's contribution in front of goal and his ability to influence matches consistently. The midfielder arrived at Liverpool with considerable expectations, but his performances have become a subject of debate following the latest defeat.
"I said Liverpool played well today for a lot of the game before the Ryan Gravenberch red card but they didn't create a chance, so Liverpool have a real problem this season with scoring goals and creating chances and that's what you bought Wirtz for," Carragher added.
"He's not giving you anything defensively and he's not giving you anything going the other way."
Wirtz was substituted in the 66th minute against City as Liverpool adjusted following Gravenberch's dismissal. Liverpool struggled to recover after conceding twice in quick succession.
Carragher's comments represent his assessment of the player's current form rather than an indication that Liverpool should have to remove Wirtz from the starting line-up.
"I don't want anyone to pile in on the lad or have a go but I just think we're justified in saying we need more and we can't wait," he said.
"I went back and looked at players who were deemed not good enough for Liverpool in terms of going to win a league title or a European Cup but had real impact in those positions," Carragher said.
"Players like Nicky Barmby, Vladimir Smicer, Yossi Benayoun, Maxi Rodriguez, Jari Litmanen, Philippe Coutinho, Steven Gerrard, Steve McManaman.
"They've brought more to the table than this lad right now."
Carragher also suggested that Liverpool may need to adjust their midfield balance to bring more goals, assists and physical presence to the team.
"I just think we're at a stage where we can't wait any longer," he said.
"I think there's got to be a rebalance of the midfield to get goals and assists in there and to get legs, height and power in there.
"Gravenberch has to play in that team."
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