Wirtz brushes off Carragher criticism after contributing to Liverpool's fourth straight win

Florian Wirtz shrugged off persistent criticism from Jamie Carragher and other pundits after contributing to Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Brighton on Sunday, their fourth consecutive victory under manager Andoni Iraola.

Wirtz, who joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen for £116.5 million in the summer of 2025, has divided opinion throughout his time at the club. His shot cannoned off Pascal Gross to open the scoring, before Bradley Barcola set up Alexander Isak to double the lead shortly after.

“Maybe I’m just an interesting guy, you know?” Wirtz joked when asked about the scrutiny surrounding his performances. “I just play my football, and if people want to talk about me or judge me, that’s their job. I am not focusing on that. I just want to play football, and more, I cannot do.”

The Germany international was forced off in the 65th minute after receiving treatment on the pitch for an ankle problem. Iraola was cautious but not alarmed. “Unfortunately, he had to leave the pitch with a small twist of the ankle,” the Liverpool manager said. “It doesn’t look very big but we are playing every three days so we need to see where he is.”

Wirtz now has one goal and three assists this season — a return that has drawn sharp criticism from former Liverpool defender Carragher, who has repeatedly questioned whether the club are getting value from their record investment.

Following Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, Carragher said: “There is no way Wirtz should be playing ahead of Gravenberch. What Florian Wirtz is doing for Liverpool is not enough right now. He’s played 55, 60 games for Liverpool. He shouldn’t be in the Liverpool team right now.”

Carragher went further, arguing the issue is not a temporary dip in form. “I don’t think Wirtz is in poor form since he came to Liverpool,” he said in September. “I actually think what we’re seeing is what he is.”

Wirtz, who flattered to deceive in his debut season under Arne Slot, appears to be growing into a more consistent role under Iraola. Sunday’s win keeps Liverpool in strong form heading into a congested fixture schedule.