Carragher Was WRONG! Dave Davis Defends Liverpool's Strategy
The Florian Wirtz debate is intensifying – but has some of the criticism now gone too far?
On Newsround, Dave Davis takes an in-depth look at Wirtz's difficult performance at Bournemouth and the growing scrutiny surrounding Liverpool's big-money attacker. Dave agrees with Andoni Iraola's assessment that Wirtz struggled badly during the first half before improving after the break, and admits there were moments when the German repeatedly surrendered possession far too cheaply.
But Dave also responds to Jamie Carragher's much stronger assessment, particularly the suggestion that Wirtz isn't simply suffering from poor form and that what Liverpool are seeing may simply be the player he is. Dave strongly questions that conclusion, pointing towards the level Wirtz previously reached in Germany while acknowledging that Liverpool still haven't seen enough of it.
The numbers also complicate the conversation. Despite his struggles, Wirtz created three chances, won three tackles and had covered 9.2km before being substituted. Dave argues that effort and work rate aren't the issue – instead questioning where the confidence and fearless dribbling that characterised Wirtz at his best have disappeared to.
There's also the latest transfer discussion, with Yankuba Minteh once again linked with Liverpool ahead of January. Dave explains why he's sceptical about a winter move, particularly given Cody Gakpo's excellent form and Liverpool having potentially greater priorities in midfield and at full-back. Iraola's assessment of Liverpool's progress and the difficult run awaiting the Reds after the international break rounds out the show.
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