Liverpool's disappointing last season, which saw them finish fifth in the Premier League, resulted in Arne Slot's departure and the appointment of Andoni Iraola. However, the Merseysiders' issues remain unresolved ahead of their opening match against Newcastle on August 23.
Last summer, the Reds splashed over £240m on the signings of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, but the German midfielder has struggled to adapt to the rigours of the Premier League. In a recent discussion on The Overlap Fan Debate, Jamie Carragher and Paul Scholes weighed in on Wirtz’s role, given the hefty £100m price tag.
Discussion on Wirtz and midfield balance
Jamie Carragher:
Wirtz cost £100m. You can't keep a player that expensive on the bench; he needs to be given every chance. I always thought he'd slot in on the left—not as a traditional winger, but cutting in from the flank, similar to how he plays for Germany. However, I can’t see how a midfield trio like this can propel Liverpool back into the title race.
Paul Scholes:
Despite the £100m price tag, he seems like a problem. Just look at the combination of Mac Allister, Gravenberch, and Szoboszlai—I’d honestly relish the chance to play against that midfield. There’s no balance whatsoever.
Andoni Iraola's main headache
- Lack of a 'six': Liverpool are missing a profile of a destructive holding midfielder.
- Gravenberch's decline: Ryan Gravenberch, who occupied this role under Slot, has struggled with ball progressions and duels.
- Attack-heavy imbalance: Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, and Gravenberch are all attack-minded, leaving gaping holes in defence.
