CARRAGHER URGES IRAOLA TO DROP WIRTZ AFTER BOURNEMOUTH PERFORMANCE

Jamie Carragher has said Florian Wirtz produced his "poorest performance" in a Liverpool shirt during the club's match against Bournemouth, and called for manager Andoni Iraola to drop the midfielder. Wirtz was restored to Liverpool's starting line-up by Iraola for the Bournemouth fixture, having been rested for the midweek 3-1 Carabao Cup win over Tottenham Hotspur. Cody Gakpo, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai scored from midfield in that Carabao Cup match. Ryan Gravenberch was left out of the line-up for the match, a decision some Liverpool supporters welcomed online, with fans saying "Iraola is learning", according to reports.

Wirtz joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen last summer in a transfer reported at £116 million and has struggled for form since arriving at Anfield. He has registered just one assist in the Premier League this season, despite retaining his place in Iraola's starting XI. Football Insider reports that Liverpool are prepared to receive "concrete offers" for Wirtz in January, with Bayern Munich named as admirers of the player. He has four years remaining on his contract at Anfield, and Liverpool are reportedly set to reject any bids received for him in the new year.

Wirtz is regarded as central to Iraola's plans at Liverpool despite his recent form, having previously excelled during his time in the Bundesliga. Over the 2024-25 season at Bayer Leverkusen, he registered 10 goals and 13 assists in the German top flight. Carragher's call for Wirtz to be dropped adds to scrutiny of the player following the Bournemouth fixture. Liverpool's stance on any January offers, and Iraola's team selection in the coming weeks, are expected to shape the next stage of Wirtz's time at the club.