Liverpool maintained their good form with a 2-1 win against Wolves, securing all three points at Anfield thanks to goals from Ryan Gravenbirch and Florian Wirths.
But the spotlight was firmly on Florian Wirtz, who joined Liverpool with high expectations and finally scored a goal.
The German playmaker arrived at Anfield with a huge reputation and a stunning debut goal capped off a star performance that finally earned him a move to the Reds.
Despite the excitement building around Anfield, Liverpool manager Arne Slott was quick to strike a cautious note, insisting Wirtz’s debut goal should be seen as a platform rather than a goal.
Arne Slott says Florian Wirtz needs to score more goals
In his postgame press conference, Slott gave a balanced assessment of Wirtz’s play.
The Dutchman was clearly pleased with the midfielder’s contribution, but seemed keen to quell the hype and offered some constructive criticism regarding the player’s performance.
Coach Slott admitted that the first goal was saved, but quickly mentioned the need for more frequent goal contributions from the German player.
After the game, Slott told reporters:
“As it is expected in football, we are judged mainly on results, and individuals are judged mainly on goals and assists. We often forget what else to do during a match. I think he has played many good games for us, but I also feel that he is getting better and better every time he plays for us.”
“He was getting fitter and healthier and was getting closer and closer to his first goal. And it’s not surprising to me that today he scored one goal. But maybe he will be the first to understand that one goal is not enough.”
“He will score more goals for us. His performance for most of today’s game was also good. I think he was special in many moments.”
Wirtz’s performance against Wolves
Although Slot demands higher performance, the statistics against Wolves highlight just how dominant Wirths was in Liverpool’s midfield.
Operating in the space between midfield and the defensive line, the 22-year-old was the builder of Liverpool’s dominance.
His debut goal was a moment of individual brilliance, but his all-round play was equally impressive.
| status | value |
|---|---|
| exact path | 71/84 (85%) |
| An opportunity has arisen | 3 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 0.75 |
| Expected Goals (xGOT) | 0.31 |
| Expected assists (xA) | 0.38 |
| xG + xA | 1.13 |
| Contribution in defense | 6 |
| Number of shots on target | 1/2 (50%) |
| touch | 104 |
| Touch the opposite box | 9 |
| dribbling success | 7/8 (88%) |
| advance to the final third | 5 |
| accurate long ball | 2/5 (40%) |
| confiscated | 1 |
| Non-penalty xG | 0.75 |
| tackle | 2 |
| block | 0 |
| clearance | 1 |
| intercept | 1 |
| collect | 2 |
| dribble pass | 0 |
| Won a ground duel | 10/13 (77%) |
| Win an aerial duel | 1/2 (50%) |
| fouled | 1 |
| foul committed | 1 |
Florian Wirtz’s stats against Wolves (via FotMob)
It was a perfect midfield masterclass that suggested the Germany international is ready to be a mainstay at Liverpool for years to come.
