Wirtz Deserves More Credit, But Liverpool Have A Bigger Problem
I’ve reached the point where I’m getting genuinely frustrated listening to Jamie Carragher.
And before anybody jumps on that statement, let me make something absolutely clear. I loved Carragher as a Liverpool player. I idolised his commitment, his passion and his willingness to put his body on the line for our football club.
Nothing he says as a pundit will ever change what he achieved at Anfield.
Read more: Craig’s Column: Alisson Saved Liverpool Against Palace, But Our Defence Still Worries Me
But I’m struggling with the way he’s speaking about Liverpool supporters and certain players at the moment.
His criticism of Florian Wirtz following our 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace was disappointing enough. His continued use of the term “e-Reds” when dismissing supporters who disagree with him is something I find considerably more offensive.
Liverpool are a worldwide football club. Some supporters attend every match, others live thousands of miles away and may never get that opportunity.
Their love for Liverpool deserves exactly the same respect.
Carragher’s Wirtz Criticism Is Becoming Tiresome
What particularly frustrated me was Carragher’s reaction to Wirtz scoring against Palace.
Rather than simply acknowledging an excellent finish and Bradley Barcola’s contribution, he appeared determined to highlight the possibility of good fortune.
Why?
Wirtz scored. Barcola provided the opportunity. Liverpool produced an excellent attacking move.
Sometimes it’s perfectly acceptable to congratulate players.
I understand Carragher’s job involves giving opinions, and nobody should expect him to praise Liverpool regardless of performances.
But there needs to be balance.
Wirtz hasn’t reached the extraordinary levels we witnessed at Bayer Leverkusen. I’ve said that myself, and I still believe there’s considerably more to come.
However, he’s improving.
His confidence is growing, his attacking contributions are becoming more consistent, and we’re beginning to see why Liverpool invested so heavily in him.
Steven Gerrard managed to acknowledge those improvements while explaining that Liverpool need more from their attacking players.
That’s the type of constructive criticism I appreciate.
And Carragher’s treatment of supporters online bothers me even more.
Calling people cranks or dismissing them as e-Reds because they challenge your opinions achieves absolutely nothing.
Football supporters shouldn’t have their loyalty questioned because of their postcode, financial circumstances or access to tickets.
We’re all Liverpool fans, Jamie. A little respect wouldn’t go amiss.
Szoboszlai Is Restricting Liverpool’s Midfield Balance
Interestingly, I agree with Carragher and Daniel Sturridge about one important issue.
Dominik Szoboszlai doesn’t look comfortable operating in Liverpool’s current midfield structure.
I’ve been saying this for weeks, and I’ve received plenty of criticism for it.
Let me explain something.
I really like Dom. He’s a wonderfully talented footballer, capable of spectacular goals, excellent deliveries and moments that change matches.
I was delighted when he signed his new contract.
But being a good footballer doesn’t automatically mean you’re suited to every tactical system.
Against Palace, his delivery improved, and I thought his overall performance was better.
However, after discussing the match with a video analyst, my concerns about his positioning have only increased.
There are occasions when Szoboszlai moves into exactly the spaces Florian Wirtz wants to occupy.
He can block the passing lanes into our number ten, forcing Alexis Mac Allister to recycle possession instead of progressing the ball.
And when Dom pushes too far forward, Liverpool become vulnerable whenever possession changes hands.
That’s a significant problem.
We’re seeing enormous spaces appear between midfield and defence, and opponents are exploiting them.
For me, Mac Allister and Trey Nyoni currently offer the best balance behind Wirtz.
Nyoni deserves opportunities because he provides composure, positioning and the ability to move possession through midfield.
I don’t want Szoboszlai sold. I’d actually like to see him given another opportunity further forward.
But Iraola must prioritise the structure of the team.
If Dom cannot adapt to that deeper midfield role, we need to find another solution.
Mac Allister Contract News Would Be A Huge Boost
One genuinely encouraging development concerns Alexis Mac Allister.
Journalist Ismael Mahmoud has suggested that positive contract news could arrive within the next ten days.
Nothing has been confirmed, so we need to be careful.
But I’d absolutely love Liverpool to get this sorted.
Mac Allister has been one of our strongest performers this season, and his improvement has been particularly pleasing after the difficulties he experienced last year.
I wondered whether we were witnessing a physical decline that might be difficult to reverse.
Thankfully, he’s proving those concerns premature.
He’s playing with aggression, intelligence and confidence again.
And if Liverpool are considering strengthening midfield with someone like Lamine Camara, I think Mac Allister should remain central to those plans.
Ryan Gravenberch’s situation is becoming more complicated.
With Nyoni emerging and Liverpool potentially recruiting another midfielder, I genuinely wonder where Gravenberch fits if his performances don’t improve.
I wouldn’t sell him tomorrow, but I believe he’s more vulnerable than Szoboszlai if difficult decisions become necessary.
Alisson Deserves Another Contract Conversation
There was also encouraging news concerning Alisson Becker.
Following his outstanding performance against Palace, the goalkeeper has indicated that he wants to remain at Liverpool.
I’m absolutely open to that.
I’ve questioned aspects of Alisson’s performances and expressed concerns about his injury record.
But we’re talking about somebody who has operated at an extraordinary level for years.
Even if he’s declined slightly, he’s still an exceptional goalkeeper.
An extension could provide stability while Liverpool continue developing their younger options, although it would inevitably raise questions about Giorgi Mamardashvili’s future.
Virgil van Dijk presents a more difficult decision for me.
I increasingly believe we’re approaching a natural conclusion to his Liverpool career, although I’d support any extension agreed between him and the club.
These are difficult conversations because these players have given us so much.
But Liverpool must keep looking forward.
We’re fourth in the Premier League, progressing in Europe and still competing for the League Cup.
I believe Iraola is moving us in the right direction.
Now we need better midfield balance, sensible contract decisions and a little more patience with players who are showing genuine improvement.
And perhaps a little more respect for the supporters who make this football club what it is.
Much Love.