Jamie Carragher has raised concerns over how Liverpool are deploying Florian Wirtz, insisting the club cannot afford to use him as a traditional number 10.
Following Liverpool’s failed Champions League comeback attempt against Paris Saint-Germain, attention has quickly shifted to individual performances.
Wirtz, a marquee signing from Bayer Leverkusen, once again struggled to impose himself in a high-intensity European clash.
As the game progressed, the German playmaker found it difficult to influence proceedings, particularly when matched against midfield operators like Vitinha and Joao Neves, who controlled the tempo and dictated play.
“He hasn’t delivered so far,” Carragher said.
“The best way you’d describe him is that he’s neat and tidy. There’s no real punch at the end of it. He looks nice between boxes, he’s a lovely footballer as you’d expect for that price tag.
“But, when you’re talking about the players he is up against in Vitinha and Neves, he couldn’t lay a glove on them in the first game.”
Moreover, Carragher highlighted concerns about the return on Liverpool’s significant investment, although he acknowledged the long-term nature of the deal and early-stage partnerships within the squad.
“When you think of what Liverpool spent, they basically got nothing. We know he’s signed a five year deal, he’s here for a long term.
“It’s only the second time he’s started with Ekitike and Isak. The other was the 5-1 win against Frankfurt. That bodes well, but it has been very underwhelming.”
Looking ahead, the former defender suggested a tactical shift could unlock Wirtz’s potential, particularly away from the physically demanding central role in English football.
“People will always describe him as a 10. I don’t think Liverpool can afford to have him as a number 10 in the Premier League week in, week out because of his lack of physicality.
“There’s talk that he likes playing on the inside left. That’s where I can see him playing in the future. I think next season, Szoboszlai can go back to his position as the number 10.”
With the Premier League’s intensity showing no signs of slowing down, Liverpool may now need to rethink their tactical setup, ensuring Wirtz is positioned where he can make the greatest impact as the team builds toward next season.
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