Jamie Carragher has called for Florian Wirtz to be dropped from Liverpool's starting XI, insisting the club cannot continue to carry the expensive signing. The Germany international joined from Bayer Leverkusen in June 2025 for an initial £100 million, with a further £16m in add-ons, but has struggled to deliver consistently.
Wirtz's struggles continue
Wirtz scored five goals and provided three assists in 33 games during his first season at Anfield. In the current campaign, he is yet to score and has just one assist. His performance in Sunday's 3-0 defeat to Manchester City was described as ineffectual, prompting Carragher's strong reaction.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Carragher said: 'I thought Gravenberch was outstanding in the game and this stuff has got to stop now. I said this last time Liverpool played. Ryan Gravenberch has to play in the Liverpool team. He's 6'3", he can open his legs, he can play, he can run, he was one of the outstanding players when Liverpool won the Premier League.'
Gravenberch's case
Ryan Gravenberch started in midfield behind Wirtz on Sunday, though he has not always been a regular starter this season, earning his place because Dominik Szoboszlai was injured. Carragher believes Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, and Alexis Mac Allister should form Liverpool's best midfield trio.
Carragher added: 'I'm sorry to say this but Florian Wirtz is not working and it hasn't worked so far. Ryan Gravenberch cannot be sitting on the bench and Florian Wirtz playing for Liverpool. I was critical of Florian Wirtz in the last game out for Liverpool at Bournemouth, but it wasn't just that game, it was on his body of work for Liverpool.'
Historical comparison
Carragher compared Wirtz unfavourably to past Liverpool players in similar positions, including Nick Barmby, Vladimir Smicer, Yossi Benayoun, Maxi Rodriguez, Jari Litmanen, Philippe Coutinho, Steven Gerrard, and Steve McManaman. 'We've had so many players in that position. Coutinho, Steven Gerrard, Steve McManaman, who have brought more to the table than this lad. We're at the stage where we can't wait any longer,' he said.
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola, when asked about Wirtz's performance on Sunday, said: 'I'm very proud of my footballers. They put in a tremendous effort and showed high intensity, competing well in duels. We lost and got nothing to show for our performance, but I really liked what I saw.'
