Jamie Carragher has not been shy about his disappointment with Florian Wirtz’s display in Liverpool’s recent away fixture against Bournemouth. Speaking on Sky Sports’ live commentary, the former Liverpool defender described the German midfielder’s showing as "really poor again" and suggested that the player’s impact was virtually nonexistent during the first half of the 1-0 victory at the Vitality Stadium. After the match, Carragher went even further, stating on the Sky Sports "Jamie Carragher Podcast" that this was perhaps the poorest performance he had ever witnessed from Wirtz while wearing a Liverpool shirt.
He argued that, despite the midfielder’s reputation for tidy ball‑retention and clever movement out of tight spaces, the reality on the pitch was far from the high expectations that surrounded his £120 million transfer. "I’ve been critical of the fact that he hasn’t got the numbers," Carragher said, "but normally when you watch Wirtz, he’s neat and tidy, he keeps possession, there are things you like. He gets out of a tight situation where you’d normally expect your player to lose the ball." He went on to explain that his concerns were not about a temporary dip in form, but rather about the player’s overall ceiling. "The reason I worry is, I don’t think Wirtz is in poor form since he came to Liverpool.
I actually think what we’re seeing is what he is," Carragher asserted, recalling that he had harboured doubts about the German’s suitability for the Premier League as far back as a year ago. Carragher recalled a previous Liverpool‑away win at Burnley, where a late Mo Salah penalty secured the three points.
"When I was watching that game it was what I’ve seen for the last 12 months: I don’t see how he’s going to hurt you. It’s just neat and tidy.
And in some way, the price tag for that type of player should be half of what Liverpool have paid," he argued, underscoring the gap between the investment and the on‑field return. He warned that Liverpool’s ambitions – a league title and a deep Champions League run – could be jeopardised if Wirtz fails to bridge that gap. "The gap he’s got to get to almost justify what people were expecting is too big.
Even if he improves a bit, it’s still not what Liverpool thought they were getting," Carragher said. The criticism extended beyond Wirtz himself. Carragher pointed out that the midfielder’s placement at the No 10 role forces Dominik Szoboszlai into an unfamiliar central‑midfield position, a move Carragher believes is detrimental. "I don’t think Szoboszlai is a central‑midfield player," he added, highlighting the knock‑on effects of a mis‑fitted selection.
Looking ahead, Carragher believes the upcoming clash with Manchester City on October 11 will be a litmus test. "I think going forward Iraola’s got a decision to make here.
Wirtz would not be in my Liverpool team," he declared, emphasizing that a poor showing against Bournemouth should have been a warning sign before the three‑week international break. Statistically, Wirtz’s passing accuracy of 63 % in the first half was the lowest among all Liverpool players, with the next worst at 75 % (Alexander Isak and Milos Kerkez). Carragher used this data point to compare Wirtz with more modest Premier League players. He cited Everton’s Kiernan Dewsbury‑Hall, who, despite a far lower wage, scores regularly, and Morgan Gibbs‑White, whose 45‑minute burst for Nottingham Forest at Aston Villa, in Carragher’s view, eclipsed anything Wirtz has managed for Liverpool.
He also mentioned Emiliano Buendía’s occasional heroics for Aston Villa as a benchmark for value, noting that such players command far less than the £120 million tag attached to Wirtz. "Wirtz wouldn’t be in my Liverpool team. Manchester City at home, for me, he can’t be in the team," Carragher repeated. Carragher praised Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola for his willingness to make bold decisions – such as signing Ryan Gravenberch on a lucrative five‑year deal and rotating full‑backs – but warned that a decisive call on Wirtz must come soon.
"I hope it’s sooner, not because I don’t like Florian Wirtz, I’m desperate for the kid to do well. I just want Liverpool to win," he said. There is, however, a glimmer of hope. Jurgen Klopp, now Germany’s manager, has selected Wirtz for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
Carragher speculated that a successful international spell could rejuvenate the midfielder. "The one hope for Liverpool supporters now is Jurgen Klopp is the Germany manager," he said. "Can Jurgen Klopp sprinkle a bit of stardust on him?" He imagined a scenario where Wirtz returns from the international break brimming with goals and assists, ready to influence the crucial Manchester City match and perhaps rewrite the narrative that has surrounded his Liverpool tenure. In summary, Carragher’s verdict is clear: unless Florian Wirtz dramatically improves his contribution – both statistically and in terms of decisive moments – he does not belong in the squad that faces Manchester City.
The former defender urges Iraola to act swiftly, either by giving Wirtz a chance to prove himself or by cutting his losses for the sake of the club’s ambitions. The upcoming schedule for Liverpool is packed, with Premier League fixtures against Brentford, Brighton, and Arsenal, as well as Champions League ties against LASK and Villarreal, and a Carabao Cup showdown with Chelsea.
All eyes will be on whether Wirtz can turn the tide before the season’s critical phase begins.