Florian Wirtz is facing intense scrutiny at Liverpool following a difficult start to the 2026-27 season, with pressure mounting on the midfielder to justify his €125m (£116m) transfer fee. The 23-year-old, who moved to Anfield from Bayer Leverkusen in June 2025, has drawn heavy criticism for his recent performances, most notably from former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher. However, both Germany international Jonathan Tah and newly appointed Germany manager Jürgen Klopp have publicly defended the playmaker, citing external factors and a challenging adaptation period as the reasons behind his current struggles.
Carragher Questions Wirtz's Impact
The criticism stems from a significant disparity between Wirtz’s output at Bayer Leverkusen—where he registered 57 goals and 65 assists in 197 appearances—and his productivity since moving to Merseyside. Having recorded seven goals and 11 assists in 55 appearances for Liverpool, Wirtz has managed only one assist in the current Premier League campaign, leading to calls from analysts for a change in personnel. In a discussion on the Jamie Carragher Podcast, the former defender argued that Wirtz had failed to adapt to the rigours of English football.
Speaking on his podcast, Carragher stated: "That was one of the poorest I've ever seen him in a Liverpool shirt." Carragher further questioned whether Wirtz possessed the requisite level to succeed at Anfield long-term, adding: "The gap he's got to get to almost justify what people were expecting, I almost think is too big. You can't get there." These comments have coincided with tactical debates regarding how Wirtz’s presence in the number 10 role forces Dominik Szoboszlai into a central midfield position, a change that critics argue diminishes the overall effectiveness of Andoni Iraola’s side.
Tah and Klopp Offer Contextual Defence
The backlash has been met with public support from within the German national team setup. Speaking ahead of the UEFA Nations League fixtures, Jonathan Tah, who played alongside Wirtz at Leverkusen, characterised the reaction in the English media as disproportionate. "I’m happy he’s with us here for a few days. Of course I’m aware of how people are talking about him, but I can’t quite understand it," Tah said. "I know what kind of player he is. I know he’ll perform even better and shine even brighter. But I find it a bit extreme how he’s being attacked right now."
Germany manager Jürgen Klopp has also provided a different perspective on the player's development, suggesting that the focus on Wirtz’s output ignores the personal circumstances surrounding his arrival. Klopp noted that the midfielder joined the club during a period of mourning for the squad following the death of Diogo Jota in July 2025. "When you look at the full context, you will find that Florian joined Liverpool at an absolutely unfavourable time related to the death of Diogo Jota," Klopp remarked. "He joined a team whose players' priority at that time was not football, which is very understandable. He learned a lot from his first year. Now there is a new season under the leadership of a new coach. He is delivering a very good level physically, and the team has begun to regain its cohesion once again."
Iraola Facing Tactical Dilemma
For Liverpool's coaching staff, the situation presents a delicate balancing act. While the club's hierarchy is unlikely to sanction an early exit for a player of Wirtz's financial profile, the lack of immediate impact has left the recruitment team with questions to answer regarding the squad's balance. Iraola must determine whether to persevere with the current system or restructure the midfield to better accommodate Wirtz’s creative attributes, particularly with a high-stakes encounter against Manchester City scheduled for 11 October.
The upcoming international break and the subsequent return to domestic competition will serve as a critical period for the player. As the club moves toward the January transfer window, Wirtz’s ability to find his rhythm within Iraola’s tactical framework will be the primary metric for his continued involvement in the starting eleven.
