Jamie Carragher has sent a strong message to Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola: Florian Wirtz should not start against Manchester City. 👀🔥
The criticism comes after Liverpool’s narrow 1-0 victory over Bournemouth, where Wirtz struggled to make the kind of attacking impact expected from one of the club’s biggest signings. Alexander Isak eventually provided the decisive goal, while Liverpool’s overall attacking performance left plenty to discuss.
Carragher was particularly unimpressed with Wirtz’s performance, describing it as one of the poorest displays he had seen from the German in a Liverpool shirt. He questioned whether the midfielder is currently doing enough to justify keeping his place in the starting XI.
What makes the situation even more interesting is that Wirtz did have a role in the build-up to Isak’s winning goal, meaning his contribution wasn’t completely absent. However, Carragher’s argument is that Liverpool need more consistent influence from their attacking midfielders, especially in big matches.
And now comes the massive test. 😮💨
Liverpool’s next league fixture after the international break is against Manchester City, followed by a demanding run that includes Arsenal, Brentford and Brighton. Carragher believes Iraola should consider changing his midfield setup rather than automatically putting Wirtz back into the XI.
But Iraola has already defended his player, offering a different interpretation of Wirtz’s performance and suggesting that his involvement in the winning move showed his value.
🔥 So the debate is officially on: patience with Wirtz, or a spell on the bench?
Liverpool have a huge decision to make before that Manchester City showdown. 👀🔴
For Liverpool’s midfield debate
Compare Wirtz’s alternatives in midfield
Explain Wirtz’s best role against City
