It took over 1,000 minutes, but Florian Wirtz scored his first Premier League goal for Liverpool during their 2-1 victory against Wolves on Saturday. This milestone might signify a crucial change for Liverpool at a pivotal moment in the season. Although Wolves currently sit at the bottom of the league, this goal is significant for Wirtz, who joined Liverpool with lofty expectations and a hefty £100 million transfer fee from Bayer Leverkusen, where he became the focal point of the attack.
Liverpool has faced challenges integrating new players into their system, and Wirtz’s adjustment from being a primary playmaker at Leverkusen to a secondary option behind Mohamed Salah has been tough. As 2025 comes to an end, there’s a glimmer of hope for the club, even with Salah absent for the Africa Cup of Nations and Alexander Isak dealing with injury issues.
Winning against Wolves has pushed Liverpool into the top four temporarily, though a title chase might still be out of reach. They are currently 10 points behind Arsenal, but they remain in the Champions League mix. With numerous new signings this season, Liverpool has struggled to find cohesion, but Wirtz’s consecutive attacking contributions might signal a turning point.
At just 22 years old, Wirtz, who became a starter at Leverkusen at 17, is now experiencing club football outside Germany for the first time. His inherent talent is evident in his on-field interactions, but netting that first goal was crucial. While it won’t eliminate pressure from him, it lessens the burden of having last scored in a friendly back in August.
Liverpool still has remnants of their previous season’s magic in the Champions League. For Wirtz to consistently perform, he must find his rhythm at the club, but recent displays do not guarantee more scoring opportunities. Their upcoming match against Leeds United on New Year’s Day could set the tone for their away game against Arsenal on January 8, and securing a win would rekindle hope in their title aspirations.
“The team saw how much he did for us by creating chances and coming very close to scoring,” Slott remarked about Wirtz’s contribution. “I believe Florian will continue to score more goals.” Wirtz, who had over 100 touches and attempted the third-highest passes on the team, has been instrumental, particularly on the left flank usually occupied by Codi Gakpo. Slot will have to monitor this, as Wirtz finds it easier to engage when playing wide, especially with Isak sidelined.
Liverpool needs every bit of help in attack to make up for their defensive vulnerabilities, and maximizing Wirtz’s potential is essential.
Fan Take: Wirtz’s breakthrough goal could reignite Liverpool’s season and prove vital in their Champions League pursuits. For fans, it’s a reminder that even young talent can flourish with time, and Wirtz might emerge as a key player in Liverpool’s quest for glory.
