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Jamie Carragher said that Florian Wirtz has so far failed to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold following the German's arrival from Bayer Leverkusen.
Wirtz was signed for what was briefly a potential Premier League record transfer fee in August, but has not registered a goal or an assist in eight appearances across the Premier League and Champions League. Carragher believes that Wirtz was actually viewed by Liverpool, in a roundabout way, as a replacement for Alexander-Arnold, given the immense creative qualities that both players possess.
But despite sitting atop the Premier League standings, Liverpool has looked a shadow of the team that impressed so much last season, and has relied on a number of late goals for most of its wins so far this term. Carragher also discussed Liverpool's free-spending transfer window, saying only one player has looked impressive.
Writing in his column for The Telegraph, Carragher addressed Wirtz's slow adaptation to life in the Liverpool team.
"Upfield, the introduction of Florian Wirtz into the three-man midfield which was so effective at pinning opponents into their own half last season has fundamentally changed how Liverpool play," Carragher said.
"Dominik Szoboszlai was questioned for not offering enough as an attacking force in his advanced midfield position last season. I mentioned it and so did Slot.
"But the importance of his work off the ball, nullifying the opportunities for opponents to build attacks and helping Mohamed Salah out when tracking back defensively on the right, is perhaps appreciated even more now than it was 12 months ago.
"It sounds odd to say it, but Wirtz was signed to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold – a No 10 to provide the passing range and creativity of a unique full-back.
"He is yet to add what Liverpool are missing without Alexander-Arnold, while at the same time the team has lost the intensity which made them so difficult to play against."
Arne Slot was asked about Wirtz's display in Liverpool's 1-0 loss to Galatasaray earlier this week and defended the Germany superstar, insisting that there were promising signs on show, particularly during the first half.
"The focus is always on the new signings. Which is normal if you see the money we spent," Slot said.
"I think Florian, especially in the first half, was involved in the chances we created. He was many times involved in dangerous situations tonight.
"From the starting XI, there were 3/4 positions different, and we had to manage minutes tonight. That’s why we do need to rotate a bit - not everyone is as adjusted to each other.”
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