Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher hasn’t held back in his criticism of one Reds player, calling for him to be dropped for the weekend trip to Chelsea.
After two defeats in a row, the Premier League champions head to Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening, looking to put and end to their current slump.
Numerous players struggled in the defeats to Crystal Palace and Galatasaray, from Ibrahima Konate to Mohamed Salah, with Florian Wirtz also still struggling to set the world alight in a Liverpool shirt.
Speaking on CBS Sports [via Sky Sports], Carragher called for the German to be left out of the Reds’ starting lineup to face Chelsea:
“Right now I don’t think the balance of the team is right and the obvious one that stands out is Florian Wirtz,” Carragher said.
“He’s just not at the races at all. He’s a young boy coming into a new league – he has got plenty of time to go as a Liverpool player but right now I think he needs to come out of the team, Liverpool go back to what they were last season and then go from there and build some confidence, build some defensive solidity.
“Because right now it is a mess. It’s not the losses, it is not the defeats. This has been coming from day one.”
Should Wirtz be dropped for Chelsea-Liverpool clash?
There is no question that Wirtz has been disappointing for Liverpool so far, but some of the reaction to his performances has been unfair.
The 22-year-old has still enjoyed moments of class, as he adjusts to playing in the toughest league in the world, and he has actually created the joint-most chances (21) out of every Premier League player across all competitions this season.
Dropping Wirtz would feel like the wrong call, especially with Hugo Ekitike injured and Alexander Isak not fully match fit, with the Germany international again needing to start in the No.1o role.
Alexis Mac Allister could then play alongside Ryan Gravenberch, but the Argentine is struggling for fitness and form, so Dominik Szoboszlai or Curtis Jones could be better options instead.
It would be a surprise if Arne Slot leaves Wirtz out, but now is the time for him to go up a gear, as he looks for his first Liverpool goal and assist.
