Carragher says Wirtz should not play against Manchester City after Bournemouth performance

Jamie Carragher has expressed serious concerns about Florian Wirtz's performance during Liverpool's recent match against Bournemouth, labelling it one of his worst displays in a Liverpool shirt. Carragher, who provided co-commentary for Sky Sports, stated that Wirtz was ineffective throughout the game, contributing little to the team's efforts in their narrow 1-0 victory. He noted that the midfielder's lack of impact has raised doubts about his ability to meet the expectations set upon him since joining the club.

Following the match, Carragher reiterated his worries about Wirtz's potential, suggesting that what fans are witnessing may be the player's true level. He pointed out that Wirtz has not been in poor form since arriving at Liverpool, but rather has not shown the ability to elevate his game to the required standards. Carragher indicated that the gap between Wirtz's current performance and what was anticipated is significant, raising questions about his future at the club.

Carragher further highlighted the implications of Wirtz's form on the team's dynamics, noting that his position affects the roles of other players, particularly Dominik Szoboszlai. He argued that Szoboszlai is not suited to play in central midfield, which complicates Liverpool's tactical setup. Carragher believes that Wirtz should not feature in the upcoming match against Manchester City, emphasising that the midfielder has not delivered the performances expected from a player of his calibre.

The pundit also compared Wirtz to other midfielders in the league, suggesting that players like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Morgan Gibbs-White have consistently contributed more to their teams despite not having the same price tag. Carragher's comments suggest a growing frustration with Wirtz's inability to produce results, especially with a challenging run of fixtures approaching for Liverpool, including matches against Manchester City and Arsenal.

In a glimmer of hope, Carragher noted that Wirtz's selection for Germany's upcoming Nations League games could provide him with a much-needed boost. He expressed optimism that Jurgen Klopp, now managing the German national team, might help Wirtz regain his confidence and form during the international break. If Wirtz performs well for Germany, there is potential for him to return to Liverpool reinvigorated ahead of the critical match against Manchester City.

via Sky Sports