Just 89 seconds separated Liverpool’s two goals in their 2-0 victory over Wolves, but the stadium reacted very differently to each. Ryan Gravenberch opened the scoring, but it was Florian Wirtz who ignited Anfield. The German midfielder slotted past Jose Sa to double the lead, wheeled away in celebration, and triggered a roar that went far beyond routine applause. Finally, Wirtz had broken his Liverpool duck.
It had been 190 days since he joined the club in a £116 million deal, but this goal marked a true arrival. Fans celebrated relief and joy for a player who is finally settling into life on Merseyside. Wirtz had boosted his confidence with an assist for Alexander Isak at Tottenham last week, but on Saturday, his goal crowned a first half in which he stood head and shoulders above everyone else. His creativity and composure shone through.
Wirtz shows class and inventiveness
Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock described him as “the best player on the pitch by a country mile, the most inventive, and willing to take risks.” Former England forward Ellen White added that Wirtz possesses exceptional quality, balance, and the ability to assist with both feet. “He just needed a bit more time,” she said.
The statistics underlined their praise. Wirtz completed seven dribbles out of nine against Wolves. Only Iliman Ndiaye and Jeremy Doku have completed more in a Premier League game this season. Liverpool struggled to break through in tight areas, but Wirtz moved past defenders as if they were not there.
Early in the game, he played a ball from the halfway line to Hugo Ekitike, bypassing four Wolves players. It nearly resulted in a goal, and the strike hitting the post did not diminish its brilliance. Later, Ekitike returned the favor by setting up Wirtz for his goal. The connection between Liverpool’s big summer signings provided hope on a day when the team otherwise struggled against bottom-side Wolves.
Building physicality for Premier League demands
Alexander Isak faces eight weeks out with a fractured leg, making the Wirtz-Ekitike partnership even more crucial in coming months. Wirtz acknowledged the quality of the pass that led to his goal, saying, “Not everyone will see this pass, but I am thankful he did and gave me the opportunity.”
Manager Arne Slot has emphasized that both Wirtz and Ekitike are working on their physical strength. The German undertook a weight-gain programme to improve muscle, durability, and recovery. The results are beginning to show, though Wirtz and captain Virgil van Dijk agree that more work is needed. Van Dijk said, “He is getting used to the intensity and the way we play. He is very important on the ball and obviously there is no debate about his qualities.” He added that Wirtz tired after 60 minutes, an area for improvement if he is to perform at peak every three days.
Speaking after the game, Wirtz said, “I know this is the hardest league in the world. I just have to get used to the physicality and the players around me in midfield. Every game I feel a bit better and I want to continue feeling like that.”
Liverpool fans get a belated Christmas gift
For Liverpool supporters, Wirtz’s goal offered a belated Christmas gift. He had waited until December to score in the Premier League, netting on his 21st shot. But his manager is confident this is only the beginning. Slot told reporters that the team already knows the value Wirtz brings through creating chances and staying close to scoring. “He will continue to score many more goals than just this one. Florian delivered more than just the goal today,” he said.
Now the onus is on the 22-year-old to produce many more moments of joy at Anfield. Judging by his performance on Saturday, Liverpool fans can expect plenty more roars.
