Carragher questions Wirtz’s physical capacity for Premier League demands
The former Liverpool defender argues the German midfielder has functioned as a squad player rather than the £115m game-changer, warning that tactical compromises under Andoni Iraola could relegate him to the bench.
Jamie Carragher has cast doubt on Florian Wirtz’s ability to adapt to the physical rigours of the Premier League, suggesting the German midfielder has not yet met the expectations set by his transfer fee. Writing in a column for the Telegraph, the former Liverpool defender stated that he has "serious doubts" over whether Wirtz possesses the necessary tools to overcome the league's physical challenge.
Carragher noted that when Wirtz arrived at Anfield from Bayer Leverkusen for £115m last summer, the hope was that he would dominate in a similar manner to Kevin De Bruyne. However, the former Liverpool captain argued that Wirtz lacks the specific athleticism, running, and shooting power of the Belgian. Carragher described the German’s performance as "neat and tidy" rather than that of a "killer in and around the penalty box," a role one might expect from a player of his reputation and cost.
The critique extends to the value for money, with Carragher asserting that Wirtz has resembled a "useful squad addition" worth approximately £40m, rather than the transformative signing Liverpool sought. This assessment comes after Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League last season, falling 25 points behind champions Arsenal, a result that saw manager Arne Slot depart the club at the end of the campaign.
Looking ahead to the new season under Andoni Iraola, Carragher warned that Wirtz faces the risk of being pushed out of position or the starting lineup entirely. He pointed to Iraola’s preference for out-and-out wingers, suggesting that if Wirtz fails to make an immediate impact, the manager may be forced to compromise attacking romanticism for pragmatism. Carragher referenced how Slot previously forced Wirtz onto the left wing, a tactical shift that could repeat itself if defensive issues remain unsolved.
While supporters of the German argue that it often takes a season for players to settle into English football, Carragher views the upcoming campaign as a "make-or-break" period for Wirtz. The midfielder was part of a significant summer transfer window that included the signings of Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong, though only Ekitike was noted as making an immediate impression.
Liverpool’s first match of the 2026/27 season is scheduled for Sunday, 23 August, at 4.30pm against Newcastle at St James’ Park, providing an early test for Wirtz and the new managerial setup.
