Steven Gerrard wants Florian Wirtz propped up. Jamie Carragher wants him dropped. The disagreement puts two of Liverpool’s most recognisable former players on opposite sides of the biggest selection debate at Anfield.

Gerrard made his case on The Overlap, framing Wirtz’s form as a confidence problem rather than a talent problem.

“His confidence is shot. He’s not playing well enough,” Gerrard said.

“I think the boy needs help from the manager, the players and his senior players.”

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“I wouldn’t be giving up on him just yet.”

Carragher had reached the opposite conclusion. He used his Sky Sports punditry slot after Sunday’s loss to Manchester City to argue Liverpool had waited long enough.

“I think he needs to come out of the team, I said that last time out and I’m going to say it again,” Carragher said.

“He’s not giving you anything defensively and he’s not giving you anything going the other way.”

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“I don’t want anyone to pile in on the lad or have a go but I just think we’re justified in saying we need more and we can’t wait.”

The numbers behind the row

Wirtz has no goals and one assist in seven appearances in the 2026-27 season, a steep drop from the seven goals and ten assists he produced in his debut 2025-26 campaign. His £116.5m move from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2025 remains the most expensive signing in Liverpool’s history.

Dominik Szoboszlai’s form has sharpened the question, with the Hungarian pushing to take over the number 10 role Wirtz has occupied.

Iraola’s call

Andoni Iraola replaced Arne Slot as Liverpool head coach ahead of the 2026-27 season and inherited the German as his most expensive asset. The Spaniard has stuck with Wirtz through the opening weeks despite the stuttering returns.

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Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki each scored in the 3-0 win at Anfield on Sunday, 11 October, with Ryan Gravenberch sent off shortly after the hour.

Gerrard wants a dressing-room response. Carragher wants a team-sheet one.

Iraola’s next selection is away at Brentford on Saturday, 17 October.

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