Jamie Carragher Urges Iraola to Make Big Florian Wirtz Decision at Liverpool
Jamie Carragher has called on Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola to make a major decision regarding Florian Wirtz amid growing criticism of the midfielder’s performances.
Wirtz joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen last summer in a deal worth around £116.5 million, arriving at Anfield with a huge reputation.
However, the German struggled during his first season, managing only five goals and three assists as Liverpool endured a disappointing Premier League title defence. Expectations were high for a stronger campaign this season, but Wirtz has yet to consistently justify his price tag.
Following Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Bournemouth, Carragher was particularly critical of the 23-year-old’s display.
“Wirtz has been really poor again. Nothing is happening there at all,” Carragher said, describing the performance as one of the midfielder’s poorest since joining Liverpool.
European football expert Kevin Hatchard defended Wirtz, pointing out that the midfielder has previously produced outstanding performances for Bayer Leverkusen and has already earned 45 caps for Germany at just 23.
Carragher acknowledged Wirtz’s impressive Bundesliga record but insisted his comments were specifically about the player’s performances for Liverpool.
The former Liverpool defender said he does not expect a dramatic improvement from Wirtz at Anfield and believes Iraola will eventually have to make a firm decision about his place in the team.
Carragher Wants Wirtz Dropped Against Manchester City
Carragher went further by saying Wirtz would not make his Liverpool starting XI for the upcoming clash with Manchester City.
“I hope Iraola makes that decision sooner rather than later,” Carragher explained, stressing that his criticism is not personal and that he simply wants Liverpool to win.
He also praised Iraola for showing a willingness to make difficult selection decisions. Carragher highlighted Ryan Gravenberch’s omission despite his lucrative new contract, as well as the manager’s willingness to rotate and drop defenders such as Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez.
According to Carragher, Iraola may now need to show the same decisiveness with Wirtz.
Troy Deeney Also Questions Wirtz’s Impact
Troy Deeney also criticised Wirtz following Liverpool’s victory over Bournemouth, saying the midfielder currently appears short of confidence and influence.
Deeney acknowledged Wirtz’s technical ability but argued that Liverpool need significantly more from their £116.5 million signing.
He also suggested that Wirtz’s slower play can affect Liverpool’s attacking rhythm, preventing players such as Bradley Barcola and Cody Gakpo from receiving the ball quickly and giving opponents more time to recover defensively.
Iraola was reportedly visibly frustrated with Wirtz during the Bournemouth match, adding further attention to the midfielder’s current situation at Anfield.
