Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has given his verdict on Florian Wirtz's struggles, offering some more leeway on the German attacking midfielder than Jamie Carragher
Florian Wirtz and Steven Gerrard.
Florian Wirtz and Steven Gerrard.(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard is convinced that Florian Wirtz can be a success at Anfield — but he believes he might benefit from being taken out of the team in the short term.
Wirtz was substituted in the second half as Liverpool fell to a 3-0 home defeat against Manchester City on Sunday, having made little impact. Both he and Bradley Barcola struggled with some other key attackers sidelined through injury.
"I think Wirtz's best position is number 10," Gerrard said on The Overlap. "I don't think he's got the speed to play out wide. If you go back to his Bayer Leverkusen days, his history is creating and scoring goals from that number 10 position, and a team being built around him and that type of player.
"I'm not sure this Liverpool team is set and ready for Florian Wirtz to come in and thrive. Maybe if they had Sadio Mane still and Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah, maybe he would thrive more. I believe he would thrive more.
"And if Liverpool can get Barcola firing, Alexander Isak firing, Victor Munoz, Hugo Ekitike, Rio Ngumoha, if he can get them all fit and available, I think he'll feel better because he'll have more forward runs in the team, he'll have better players around him."
Jamie Carragher was once again scathing in his criticism of Wirtz, who has now been at Anfield for more than a year. But Gerrard was slightly kinder in his verdict.
Florian Wirtz of Liverpool during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Liverpool FC and Manchester City at Anfield on October 11, 2026(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
"Wirtz's confidence is shot. He's not playing well enough. We need to see more from him," Gerrard continued.
"So, I agree with Jamie Carragher to that extent. But I think Jamie's more like, he needs to be moved to the side. I think the kid needs help. I think he needs help from his manager, from his coaches.
"I think he needs help from his senior players. I can just picture him beating himself up on how his Liverpool thing started. This kid is a major talent in my opinion. I've seen enough to believe and give him a chance. I think he needs help and support now.
"But I do think having better Liverpool players fit and available around him will help him, because there's been a lot of change, and they are in this little transition moment.
"Whether they should be or not because of the money they've spent, that's a different debate. But I think Florian Wirtz needs help now. And I think sometimes in this situation, if everyone was fit and available, maybe the best thing is for him to come out and have a couple of games on the bench.
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"When I suffered form-wise and I needed the help from managers and coaches, I didn't believe it at the time, but when managers took me out and put me on the bench or left me out or gave me a rest, sometimes just watching the team and being gutted you've been taken out.
"Seeing someone else do well in your position or thrive, and that little bit of fear of, maybe am I not the main player anymore, or am I not Liverpool's number 10 anymore, it could help Florian Wirtz. I have seen enough to know there's a player there, there's huge potential there. Does he need help and support right now? Yes, because his confidence is affected, and I can see it in him.
"He needs to do more. He needs to step up a bit more. He needs to realize the situation he's in. But there's definitely a player there, in my opinion.
"Is he suited to the Premier League? Is he getting knocked about a bit? Yes, he is. He can have help and support in all the areas to make him work at Liverpool. I wouldn't be giving up on him just yet. I think it's too early."