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Jamie Carragher stunned 'really poor' Liverpool star wasn't subbed off against Bournemouth
Sep 20 2026 15:17 · By Callum McAvoy · 40 Reads
Jamie Carragher was greatly unimpressed by this Liverpool star (Photo: Getty)
Jamie Carragher was ‘surprised’ Andoni Iraola did not sub off Florian Wirtz at half-time after the Liverpool star’s ‘really poor’ performance against Bournemouth .
An Alexander Isak goal was the difference at the Vitality stadium on Sunday as Liverpool won 1-0 on Iraola’s first game back at his former club.
The Reds remain unbeaten this season and move up to sixth in the Premier League but it was another difficult game, with players still struggling to adjust to their new manager’s tactics.
Among those is Wirtz, 23, who has largely underperformed since his then-record £116million transfer from Bayer Leverkusen last year.
Though he did play a part in the winning goal, Carragher was incredibly unimpressed with the attacking midfielder’s performance in the first-half.
‘That’s the third time Wirtz has got balls in simple areas and he has to do better,’ the Liverpool legend said on Sky Sports . ‘Simple passes, simple controls.
‘Wirtz has been really poor again. It’s just nothing. Nothing is happening there at all.
Florian Wirtz has largely struggled since moving to Liverpool last year (Photo: Getty)
‘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.’
And when the teams reemerged after the break, Carragher expressed his shock as to why Iraola hadn’t hauled off the German international.
Alexander Isak grabs his fourth Premier League goal of the season! 🔴 pic.twitter.com/5ehwhl1it4 — Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 20, 2026
‘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 subbed off in the 71st minute, with 19-year-old Trey Nyoni taking his place.
More to follow…