Jamie Carragher has admitted he has serious doubts over whether Florian Wirtz can become the game-changing player Liverpool expected when they paid £115m for him last summer.
Wirtz endured a difficult first campaign at Anfield as Liverpool finished fifth and 25 points behind champions Arsenal. With Andoni Iraola now in charge, Carragher believes the German faces a potentially make-or-break second season.
Carragher questions Wirtz after difficult first year
Writing for The Telegraph, Carragher questioned whether Wirtz has the physical attributes required to consistently influence Premier League matches.
“The jury is out on whether he possesses the tools to overcome the physical challenge,” Carragher said. “I must admit, I have my doubts.”
Liverpool hoped Wirtz could become a dominant creative presence similar to Kevin De Bruyne, but Carragher believes that comparison has so far been unrealistic.
“Even at his best, Wirtz has looked ‘neat and tidy’ rather than the killer in and around the penalty box one would have expected given his fee and reputation,” he added.
“He has resembled a useful squad addition for about £40m rather than a game-changer who cost £115m.”
Wirtz showed flashes of his quality during his debut campaign but struggled to produce his best football consistently as Liverpool's title defence collapsed.
Iraola system could create another Wirtz problem
Carragher accepts that foreign players can require a full season to adapt to English football, but believes Liverpool's tactical situation creates another concern.
Wirtz was moved from attacking midfield to the left wing under Arne Slot when Liverpool needed greater defensive stability.
Carragher fears something similar could happen under Iraola if the Reds continue to struggle defensively.
“If Wirtz does not have the desired impact in the early games this season, it is not difficult to foresee history repeating itself,” he wrote.
That could be particularly problematic because Iraola prefers playing with natural wingers, potentially leaving Wirtz without an obvious role if he cannot establish himself centrally.
Carragher believes such a scenario would raise “serious doubts” about the German's longer-term Liverpool future.
Newcastle opener offers Wirtz early opportunity
Wirtz was part of an expensive recruitment drive last summer alongside Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, but Liverpool's new arrivals were unable to prevent a disappointing campaign.
The pressure is therefore considerably higher heading into 2026/27.
Liverpool begin their Premier League season against Newcastle United at St James' Park on Sunday, 23 August, giving Wirtz an immediate opportunity to show that his second year in England can be different.
Key Points
- Carragher has doubts over whether Wirtz can handle the Premier League's physical demands.
- Liverpool paid £115m for the German last summer.
- Carragher believes Wirtz has so far looked more like a squad player than a game-changer.
- Iraola's preference for natural wingers could complicate Wirtz's role.
- Liverpool begin their season against Newcastle on Sunday.
What's Next?
The opening weeks could be crucial for Wirtz. A strong start would quickly ease questions surrounding his first season, but another struggle to establish his best position could leave Iraola facing the same tactical dilemma Liverpool encountered last year.
Will Florian Wirtz prove Jamie Carragher wrong and become Liverpool's game-changer this season?
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