Jamie Carragher has openly expressed his doubts about where Florian Wirtz could possibly fit into Jurgen Klopp's successor Andoni Iraola's Liverpool side, suggesting that the £116.5 million German may be a symptom of what could become the Premier League's most disastrous transfer window. In his post‑match analysis of Liverpool's 2‑2 draw with Newcastle United, the former defender dissected the Reds' midfield configuration, highlighted tactical flaws in Iraola's approach, and warned that the current recruitment strategy may cripple any realistic title challenge this season. Carragher began by questioning the very foundation of Liverpool's midfield set‑up. "I don't believe that midfield can function with the personnel in there," he said, adding that the issue was not merely about individual quality but also about the structural demands placed on the players.
On the night in question, Liverpool deployed Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai alongside Wirtz, who was positioned as a traditional No 10. Rather than operating as a disciplined double pivot, Szoboszlai frequently drifted forward, leaving the centre‑midfield trio exposed. The former England international drew a parallel with Manchester City, noting that Pep Guardiola's success often relies on a double‑pivot supported by full‑backs who tuck inside to shield against counter‑attacks.
"Why does Guardiola always bring his full‑backs inside? Because the holding midfielder needs help to stop the opposition's breakaways," Carragher argued, suggesting that Liverpool's current system leaves a glaring defensive void.
Video clips displayed Gravenberch and Szoboszlai making forward runs that pulled them away from the centre of the park, effectively handing Newcastle space to exploit on the break. "All three of them think about going forwards. That's why it can't work," Carragher emphasized, pointing out that, unlike most Premier League sides, Liverpool's midfield appears unusually attack‑oriented, with only the two centre‑backs showing any restraint. Carragher also observed that Iraola appears to have instructed both Wirtz and Szoboszlai to "lock on" to opposition midfielders, a tactic that, while aggressive, can backfire without adequate cover.
He contrasted this with Brentford's recent success against Tottenham, where the club's centre‑backs stepped up to close the gaps left by an advanced midfield press. Liverpool's own defensive stalwart, Virgil van Dijk, chose to sit deeper, creating a mismatch between the high press and the defensive line.
"It's like Manchester United under Erik ten Hag a few years ago – a team that wants to press high but sits in a deep block. That's why these holes appear," Carragher explained. Regarding Van Dijk, Carragher was candid: "He needs protecting, he needs cuddling, he needs looking after." He argued that Liverpool urgently need a genuine holding midfielder to partner Gravenberch, someone capable of both breaking up play and contributing to the ball‑circulation of a top‑class side.
"It doesn't have to be a destroyer who never gets on the ball – you need a player who can run, tackle, and also be comfortable in possession," he said. In Carragher's view, Szoboszlai should shift into the No 10 role, freeing up space for a more balanced midfield. When asked where Wirtz would slot in under this revised system, Carragher was blunt: he sees no suitable role for the German.
Wirtz's output last season – five goals and three assists in 33 league appearances – does not justify a £110 million price tag. "The myth that it takes a year to settle in the Premier League is overblown," he argued, noting that Wirtz has struggled to adapt to the physical and tactical demands of English football. Carragher warned that Liverpool's recent spending spree could prove to be a financial and sporting disaster.
The club splashed out a total of roughly £445 million in the summer, bringing in not only Wirtz but also Alexander Isak for a record £125 million, Hugo Ekitike for £79 million, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Giorgi Mamardashvili, and Giovanni Leoni. While some of these signings have shown promise, the consensus, according to Carragher, is that most have under‑performed, with the exception of Ekitike.
He suggested that this window may be remembered as the worst in Premier League history for a top‑flight club, potentially setting Liverpool back one or two seasons while they attempt to rectify the situation. "Last season it wasn't about these players – it was about Arne Slot's style. Now we have a whole new manager, a new system, and a raft of expensive signings that haven't delivered," he lamented.
Looking ahead, Carragher doubts Liverpool will be genuine title contenders this campaign. He cited the departure of Mohamed Salah, the uncertain future of Van Dijk, and the possible exit of Alisson as further blows to the squad's core. "If Liverpool qualify for the Champions League this season, I'd be happy," he concluded, adding that the club needs time for the new manager to settle and for the summer acquisitions to find their footing.
In summary, Carragher's analysis paints a bleak picture: a midfield lacking balance, a tactical blueprint that leaves defensive gaps, and a transfer window that may have done more harm than good. Unless Liverpool can swiftly recruit a proper holding midfielder, re‑assign Szoboszlai to a true No 10 role, and find a realistic position for Wirtz, the Reds risk slipping further down the Premier League hierarchy, possibly marking this summer as a cautionary tale of overspending and mismanagement.