Jamie Carragher verbally dismantles Florian Wirtz live on Sky Sports with harshest take yet
Jamie Carragher didn’t hold back when giving his take on Florian Wirtz live on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.
Carragher, who was joined by Gary Neville and presenter Dave Jones, as expected, did not take long to offer his thoughts on his beloved Liverpool’s performances after the Reds’ 2-2 draw against Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Sunday (August 23).
Despite snatching a point courtesy of Dominik Szoboszlai's stoppage-time penalty, Andoni Iraola’s side were heavily criticised for their performance, with last summer’s recruits Alexander Isak and Wirtz bearing the brunt of the complaints for their lacklustre showings.
The former Liverpool defender even suggested Liverpool’s 2025/26 summer transfer window could go on to be known as the “worst in Premier League history”, claiming only Hugo Ekitike has so far justified the price the Reds paid for him, while Isak, Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Giorgi Mamardashvili and Giovanni Leoni have failed to do so.
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Carragher said: "If this doesn't change in the next two or three months under Iraola, with these players improving, I think we are going to be looking at that as arguably the worst transfer window we have seen in Premier League history.
"When you consider the fees and what it was going to do for Liverpool, the idea that these players can just come in and be good players, it was to create a dynasty for Liverpool.
"Let's not forget that Liverpool won the league two years ago. These were supposed to do what City had done in recent years, or United had done in the past, where they go and win two or three leagues in five years."
The former Liverpool centre-back and captain then focused on the issue with Iraola’s midfield, insisting the combination of Wirtz, Ryan Gravenberch and Szoboszlai doesn’t work as a trio, even appearing to write off the German’s chances of his form improving.
“What to do with Wirtz?” Carragher added.
“I’ve been seen as critical of Florian Wirtz maybe last season. This thing that it takes players a year to settle in the Premier League, I think, is a bit of a myth.
“When I see people say he’s got to be number 10, that means Szoboszlai has to be in the team in central midfield. He is not a central midfield player.
“I thought this would come up in six weeks; I think it’s coming up right now. I don’t see where he fits in at all. You can’t keep going with it.”
"Liverpool need someone alongside Gravenberch," Carragher continued.
"It doesn't necessarily need to be a player who can't get on the ball and he's just tackling and stopping players. If you play for one of the top teams in the world, you need to be able to get hold of the ball. But I want someone who can run.
"Szoboszlai has to go to the No 10."
Fans react to Carragher’s harsh Wirtz take
Fans also offered their thoughts on Carragher’s harsh comments via social media.
One said: “Carragher has just basically written off Wirtz in a Liverpool shirt. Says there isn’t a place for him in the team moving forward. Big shout.”
Another added: “Wirtz has basically been embarrassed on national TV by the most prominent pundit in the UK. Who happens to be a Liverpool guy. He either gets his act together and shuts him up, or he proves him right. Yes, he needs a better pivot behind him. But he is not doing enough.”
A third claimed: “Would absolutely love it if Wirtz proves Carragher wrong, but at this point it’s hard to argue against what Carragher has said.”
Wirtz has failed to repay the up to £116million fee Liverpool spent on him, with the 23-year-old producing seven goals and 10 assists in his 50 appearances for the six-time European champions.
Liverpool return to action at home against Nottingham Forest on August 29.
Topics: Jamie Carragher, Florian Wirtz, Sky Sports, Liverpool
Luke Davies