Anfield erupted as Liverpool secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Wolves, but the real story wasn’t just the three points – it was the arrival of Florian Wirtz.
The German playmaker, burdened with expectation since his arrival, finally broke his Liverpool goalscoring drought. It was a moment of pure class, a testament to the talent that had followed him to Merseyside, and a spark that ignited the Kop.
Yet, amidst the celebration, manager Arne Slot offered a surprisingly measured response. He wasn’t interested in basking in the glow of a single goal, instead framing it as a beginning, not a culmination.
Slot’s assessment was characteristically pragmatic. While acknowledging the significance of Wirtz’s breakthrough, he immediately shifted the focus to future contributions, a subtle but firm challenge to the young star.
“In football, we judge on results and individuals on goals and assists,” Slot explained. “We forget what else happens during a game. He’s had good games, but he’s getting better, and one goal isn’t enough.”
The numbers from the Wolves match paint a vivid picture of Wirtz’s dominance. He completed 85% of his passes, orchestrated attacks with three chances created, and consistently found space between the lines.
His expected goals (xG) value of 0.75 and expected assists (xA) of 0.38 demonstrate his direct impact on Liverpool’s attacking threat. Beyond the goal, he contributed six defensive actions, showcasing a commitment to the team’s overall effort.
Wirtz’s dribbling was particularly impressive, completing seven of eight attempts, and he consistently drove the team forward with nine touches inside the opposition box. He wasn’t just creating opportunities; he was relentlessly probing for weaknesses.
The statistics reveal a complete midfield performance – a masterclass in control, creativity, and determination. Wirtz didn’t just score a goal; he asserted himself as a potential linchpin of Liverpool’s future.
Slot’s demand for more isn’t criticism, but a recognition of Wirtz’s immense potential. It’s a signal that Liverpool expects him to become not just a star player, but the very heartbeat of the team for years to come.
