Jamie Carragher expressed his surprise that Florian Wirtz was not substituted at half-time during Liverpool's 1-0 victory over Bournemouth, criticising the midfielder's performance as 'really poor'. The former Liverpool defender, speaking on Sky Sports, highlighted Wirtz's repeated errors in simple situations during the first half at the Vitality Stadium.
Alexander Isak scored the only goal of the game on Sunday, securing Liverpool's win in Andoni Iraola's first match back at his former club. The result keeps Liverpool unbeaten this season and moves them up to sixth in the Premier League table. However, the performance was another difficult one, with players still adapting to the new manager's tactical approach.
Wirtz's struggles continue after record transfer
Wirtz, 23, has largely underperformed since his then-record £116million transfer from Bayer Leverkusen last year. Although he played a part in the winning goal, Carragher was unimpressed with the attacking midfielder's first-half display.
'That's the third time Wirtz has got balls in simple areas and he has to do better,' Carragher said on Sky Sports. 'Simple passes, simple controls. Wirtz has been really poor again. It's just nothing. Nothing is happening there at all.'
Carragher acknowledged the context of Wirtz's situation, noting that he is new to the league and that Liverpool had a poor season last year. 'In the main, people have been understanding of his situation. He's new to the league and Liverpool were poor last season. When you come for that price tag, people want goals and assists.'
Carragher questions lack of half-time change
When the teams emerged for the second half, Carragher was shocked that Iraola had not taken off the German international. 'I'm surprised Wirtz hasn't come off,' the former England defender added. 'His first two touches, he's given it away twice. I didn't expect him back on the pitch after half-time.'
Wirtz was eventually substituted in the 71st minute, with 19-year-old Trey Nyoni taking his place. The decision came after a performance that Carragher felt was below the standard expected of a player with such a significant price tag.
The win at Bournemouth was Liverpool's fourth league victory of the season, with Isak scoring his fourth Premier League goal of the campaign. The result leaves Liverpool in sixth place as they continue to adjust to life under their new manager.
