Carragher: Wirtz ‘the obvious problem that stands out’ | OneFootball

Carragher questions Wirtz role as Liverpool struggle for balance

Liverpool’s defeat in Istanbul was more than just another setback. The 1-0 loss to Galatasaray at Rams Park exposed deeper issues in Arne Slot’s side, with Jamie Carragher openly questioning the team’s performances and the role of record signing Florian Wirtz.

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Carragher’s concerns over Liverpool performances

Carragher was forthright in his assessment. “It’s concerning, but the last two games aren’t just concerning. I think Liverpool’s full nine games this season have been very concerning. I was worried about Liverpool very early on, and I expressed that to the manager on the side of the pitch against Bournemouth on the first league game, the one that Liverpool ended up winning 4-2,” he said.

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The former defender believes the team lacks control. “I don’t feel like I’m watching a top team. Liverpool aren’t playing football at the moment, they’re playing basketball, it’s end to end, and I don’t think top teams play like that.”

For a side that lifted the Premier League trophy only months ago, the contrast in rhythm is striking.

Defensive fragility and Wirtz debate

Some changes were unavoidable. Jarell Quansah’s move to Bayer Leverkusen was an opportunity for regular football, but with Ibrahima Konaté struggling, the absence of depth is felt. Dominik Szoboszlai, filling in out of position, conceded the penalty that handed Galatasaray victory.

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Carragher suggested that Liverpool have lost their defensive backbone without gaining enough in attack. “They haven’t gained anything going forward, but they’ve lost a lot defensively. I think for the manager, last season was such a smooth ride for them, and he’d now got to really earn his money. He did last season, he won the Premier League, which is unbelievable, but he’s got a few problems that he’s got to fix, and I’ll be interested to see how he goes about it because he spent a lot of money on certain players, and right now, I don’t think that the balance of the team is quite right.”

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That balance centres on Wirtz. “The obvious problem that stands out is Florian Wirtz. He’s just not at the races at all, he’s a young boy going to a new league, he’s got plenty of time to grow as a Liverpool plater but right now, I think he needs to come out of the team for Liverpool to get back to where they were last season and then go from there to try and build some confidence and defensive stability.”

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Wirtz numbers show Liverpool shift

The difference between his Leverkusen form and current Liverpool role is stark. With the German side, Wirtz averaged 78 touches per 90 minutes, producing 0.31 expected assists, 0.36 expected goals and nearly three shots per match. At Liverpool, his touches have dropped to 60, his xA sits at 0.29 per 90, but his shooting has declined sharply to 0.19 xG and almost half the attempts.

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For a creative midfielder built to be central, the reduced involvement is telling. His role within Slot’s system appears uncertain, neither a consistent creator nor an attacking finisher.

Slot’s challenge to restore identity

Liverpool’s next steps will be defined by how Slot responds. Rotation has been necessary with Chelsea looming, but using Jeremie Frimpong on the wing and Szoboszlai at right-back highlighted the tactical disarray. A squad filled with talent in Wirtz, Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak managed only four shots on goal in Istanbul.

Carragher’s critique cut to the heart of the matter: it is about control and identity. “It’s not the defeats, it’s the performances,” he said. If Liverpool are to recover, restoring stability and finding the right role for Wirtz will be crucial to lifting the team back to the standards of last season.