Jamie Carragher has not been shy about his disappointment with Florian Wirtz’s recent showing in a Liverpool shirt, labeling it one of the poorest performances he has witnessed. Speaking on Sky Sports’ live commentary during Liverpool’s 1‑0 victory over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, Carragher repeatedly emphasized how ineffective the German midfielder appeared.
“Wirtz has been really poor again,” he remarked, adding that “nothing is happening there at all.” After the final whistle, the former defender doubled down, stating that Wirtz is unlikely to ever fulfil the lofty expectations many set for him at Anfield. In a special edition of the Jamie Carragher Podcast, also produced by Sky Sports, he went further: “That was one of the poorest I’ve ever seen him in a Liverpool shirt.” He acknowledged that while Wirtz is generally tidy with the ball and capable of escaping tight situations, his recent displays have been underwhelming and have not justified the massive transfer fee Liverpool paid. Carragher explained that his concerns are not merely about a temporary dip in form. “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,” he said. He recalled voicing worries about the midfielder about a year ago, noting that his doubts have lingered ever since.
Referring to a previous match at Burnley where Liverpool won via a late Mo Salah penalty, Carragher observed, “I don’t see how he’s going to hurt you. It’s just neat and tidy.
The price tag for that type of player should be half of what Liverpool have paid.” The former England international argued that the expectations placed on Wirtz were unrealistic. Liverpool hoped the German would help them chase another Premier League crown and a Champions League triumph, but Carragher believes the gap between those aspirations and Wirtz’s current contributions is too wide. Even if the player improves modestly, he will still fall short of what the club originally envisioned. The ripple effect of Wirtz’s underperformance is also a concern for Carragher.
When Wirtz occupies the No 10 role, it forces Dominik Szoboszlai to drop deeper into central midfield – a position Carragher feels Szoboszlai is not suited for. This reshuffling, he argues, disrupts the team’s balance and hampers their overall effectiveness.
Looking ahead, Carragher warned that Wirtz should not be selected for Liverpool’s upcoming clash with Manchester City on October 11 at Anfield. He described the Bournemouth fixture as a crucial test for the midfielder, noting that a failure to impress there would leave him with a three‑week break before the busy October schedule, which quickly leads into the festive period. “He has to do something!” Carragher urged. Statistically, Wirtz’s first‑half passing accuracy of 63 % was the lowest among all Liverpool players that day, with the next worst figure belonging to Alexander Isak and Milos Kerkez at 75 %.
Carragher compared Wirtz to more modest Premier League players from mid‑table clubs, such as Everton’s Kiernan Dewsbury‑Hall, who, despite a lower profile and wage, scores a goal every three to four weeks. He also cited Morgan Gibbs‑White’s impact for Nottingham Forest and Emiliano Buendía’s occasional brilliance for Aston Villa as examples of players who contribute regularly without commanding six‑figure transfer fees. Carragher praised Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola for his willingness to make bold decisions, such as signing Ryan Gravenberch on a lucrative five‑year contract despite the player not featuring regularly.
He also noted the constant changes in the full‑back positions, with Jeremie Frimpong dropped and Milos Kerkez shuffled in and out. However, he stressed that a decisive call on Wirtz must come soon.
“I hope it’s sooner rather than later,” he said, adding that his criticism stems from a desire to see Liverpool succeed, not personal dislike of the player. There is a glimmer of hope, though. Carragher suggested that former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp, now Germany’s manager, could provide a boost during the international break. Klopp has selected Wirtz for Germany’s Nations League fixtures, giving the midfielder a chance to regain confidence and form.
Carragher mused, “Can Jürgen Klopp sprinkle a bit of stardust on him?” He believes that a strong showing for the German national team – goals, assists, and high‑energy performances – could rejuvenate Wirtz just in time for the City showdown, potentially turning public opinion around. In summary, Jamie Carragher’s verdict is clear: Florian Wirtz’s recent displays have been disappointing, his price tag appears unjustified, and he should not be part of Liverpool’s lineup against Manchester City.
The midfielder’s future at Anfield hinges on whether he can rediscover the form that once made him a coveted talent, perhaps with a little help from Jürgen Klopp’s guidance during the international break. Until then, Carragher remains skeptical, urging the club to consider alternatives that better serve Liverpool’s ambitions.