JAMIE CARRAGHER has claimed Florian Wirtz put in “one of his poorest displays” in Liverpool’s win over Bournemouth and shouldn’t start their next game against Man City.
The Sky Sports pundit was critical of the German playmaker after a flat performance at the Vitality.
, who last summer, started but was hooked by after 71 minutes.
The midfielder has had a tough start to life at Anfield after managing just five goals and three assists last season despite huge expectations.
And Liverpool legend scolded him after another anonymous showing for Liverpool this week.
He claimed Wirtz was simply “neat and tidy” and couldn’t “hurt” teams.
Carragher told Sky Sports: “That was one of the poorest I’ve ever seen him in a Liverpool shirt.
“I’ve been critical of the fact that he hasn’t got the numbers. But normally when you watch Wirtz, he’s neat and tidy, he keeps possession, there’s things that you like.
“But the reason I worry is, I don’t think Wirtz is in poor form since he came to Liverpool. I actually think what we’re seeing is what he is.
“And I was worried for Wirtz probably 12 months ago. And maybe that was a little bit early to say that, but I didn’t say it. It was just in the back of my head.
“I don’t see how he’s going to hurt you. It’s just neat and tidy. And in some way, the price tag for that type of player should be half of what Liverpool have paid.”
The former Red defender, who played 737 games as a one-club man, doesn’t think Wirtz will ever justify his massive fee “even if he improves” at Liverpool.
And he urged Iraola to drop him from Liverpool’s massive clash with after the international break.
He added: “I think going forward Iraola’s got a decision to make here. Wirtz would not be in my Liverpool team. Manchester City at home, for me, he can’t be in the team.
“Sooner or later [Iraola] is going to have to make a decision on , and, for me, I hope it’s sooner.
“Not because I don’t like Florian Wirtz, I’m desperate for the kid to do well. I just want Liverpool to win. That’s it, basically.”
Liverpool secured their narrow win over Bournemouth thanks to Alexander Isak’s strike.
Iraola’s men are now sixth in the table after two wins from five games and are yet to suffer a defeat.
