Jamie Carragher calls for Florian Wirtz to be dropped after Man City defeat

Jamie Carragher believes Florian Wirtz should come out of Liverpool’s starting line-up after Sunday’s 3–0 defeat by Manchester City.

The former Liverpool defender renewed his criticism of the Germany international, arguing that his contribution in attack has fallen short of what the team needs.

“I think he needs to come out of the team,” Carragher said on Sky Sports.

Wirtz started behind Lewis Koumas at Anfield before Trey Nyoni replaced him in the 66th minute, shortly after Erling Haaland had put City ahead.

Carragher questions Florian Wirtz’s Liverpool impact

In Sky Sports’ post-match discussion, Carragher argued that Wirtz had been given sufficient opportunities to justify closer scrutiny of his performances.

He had also questioned the midfielder’s impact after Liverpool’s win at Bournemouth before the international break.

The assessment was debated by fellow pundit Daniel Sturridge, with the pair discussing whether Wirtz’s position helps explain his limited goals and assists.

Liverpool’s wider selection problems complicate Andoni Iraola’s next decision. Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai all missed the City match through injury, while Koumas was handed his first Premier League start.

The game remained goalless until Ryan Gravenberch’s dismissal in the 62nd minute. City then scored three times in 13 minutes, as detailed in our Liverpool–Manchester City match report.

Liverpool next face LASK away in the Champions League on Wednesday. Carragher’s call adds to the debate over Wirtz’s place, but Iraola has yet to announce his team.