Jamie Carragher has again questioned Florian Wirtz's performances, saying Andoni Iraola should drop the German from Liverpool's starting XI. The criticism follows Liverpool's defeat to Manchester City on Sunday, where Wirtz was substituted after Ryan Gravenberch's red card.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher said: "We need [Bradley] Barcola and we need Wirtz to step up and help [Victor] Munoz and [Lewis] Koumas at the top of the pitch. Koumas and Munoz were better than the two £100m players." He added: "There is no way Wirtz should be playing ahead of Gravenberch. What Florian Wirtz is doing for Liverpool is not enough right now. He's played 55, 60 games for Liverpool."
Should Iraola Drop Wirtz?
Carragher also debated Wirtz's role with former Liverpool team-mate Daniel Sturridge, discussing how the 23-year-old fits into the current system. The Liverpool Echo asked its writers for their views.
Paul Gorst argues that if Iraola sticks with a No.10, Wirtz keeps his place as there is no direct replacement. However, a switch to a midfield three of Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai could be beneficial. Gorst notes Wirtz is fortunate Gravenberch is suspended for the trip to Brentford, but if he fails to impress this week, he may be dropped.
Injuries Limit Options
Theo Squires says Wirtz should be dropped based on form, but Liverpool's injury list prevents Iraola from doing so. With Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Szoboszlai likely out against LASK, plus Hugo Ekitike absent and Federico Chiesa ineligible, the Reds lack attacking options. Gravenberch's suspension for Brentford further limits choices. Squires suggests Wirtz may keep his place until others return, but a difficult decision looms if his form does not improve.
Mark Jones highlights Carragher's exchange with Sturridge as key. Wirtz, who turned 23 in May, has thrived in systems suited to him, like at Bayer Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso. Jones argues Iraola should not reshape his plans for Wirtz, but the German must adapt to become a more well-rounded player. Dropping him now would slow that process, and there is no obvious replacement.
