Jamie Carragher strongly criticizes Florian Wirtz live on Sky Sports with his toughest words so far.
Jamie Carragher didn’t hold back when sharing his thoughts on Florian Wirtz during Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.
Joined by Gary Neville and presenter Dave Jones, Carragher quickly gave his take on Liverpool’s latest performance after their 2-2 draw with Newcastle at St James’ Park on Sunday (August 23).
Although Liverpool earned a late point thanks to Dominik Szoboszlai’s penalty, Andoni Iraola’s team faced heavy criticism. New signings Alexander Isak and Wirtz were especially called out for their disappointing displays.
The former Liverpool defender even went as far as to say Liverpool’s 2025/26 summer signings might end up being “the worst in Premier League history.” According to him, only Hugo Ekitike has shown value so far, while players like Isak, Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Giorgi Mamardashvili, and Giovanni Leoni have yet to deliver.
Carragher said: “If things don’t improve in the next couple of months with Iraola leading, this transfer window could be remembered as one of the worst we’ve seen in the Premier League. The fees paid and expectations were huge. These players were meant to build a new winning era for Liverpool. Let’s not forget, Liverpool won the league just two years ago. The idea was for this team to dominate like Manchester City has recently, or like Manchester United did in the past by winning several titles in a few years.”
He also pointed out problems in Iraola’s midfield, saying the combination of Wirtz, Ryan Gravenberch, and Szoboszlai just isn’t clicking. Carragher seemed doubtful Wirtz’s form will get better anytime soon.
“What do we do with Wirtz?” Carragher asked. “I’ve been critical of him, maybe even last season. The idea that it takes players a year to settle in the Premier League is a bit of a myth in my opinion. When people say he should be the number 10, that means Szoboszlai moves to central midfield — but he’s not a natural central midfielder. I thought this problem would show up after six weeks, and now it’s clear he doesn’t really fit in. We can’t keep going like this.”
Carragher added, “Liverpool need someone alongside Gravenberch who can run and help control the game. Playing for a top team means you need to be comfortable on the ball, but you also need energy and movement. Szoboszlai should be playing in the No 10 role.”
Fans shared their opinions on Carragher’s tough words on social media. One said, “Carragher basically ruled out Wirtz in a Liverpool shirt moving forward. Big statement.” Another added, “Wirtz got called out on national TV by one of the most respected UK pundits, and he’s a Liverpool guy too. He needs to either step up and prove him wrong or accept the criticism. He does need better support, but he’s not doing enough.” A third fan commented, “I’d love to see Wirtz prove Carragher wrong, but it’s hard to argue with what he said right now.”
So far, Wirtz hasn’t lived up to the up to £116 million Liverpool paid for him, with 7 goals and 10 assists in 50 games for the club.
Liverpool will be back on the pitch at home against Nottingham Forest on August 29.