When Liverpool was pressed in their own half against Wolves at Anfield, Florian Wirtz cleverly dodged Matt Doherty to relieve pressure and open up an attacking direction for the home team.
This handling has become the "fuel" for the German international's outstanding personal performance - closing with the first goal for Liverpool, since he arrived from Bayer Leverkusen for a fee of 100 million pounds last summer.
Looking at the way his teammates joyfully shared the joy after finishing to defeat goalkeeper Jose Sa in the 42nd minute, it can be seen that the burden of scoring has weighed on Wirtz in the early months at Merseyside. However, after making his first assist in the Premier League against Tottenham last weekend, the 22-year-old player has reason to believe that the numbers are gradually reflecting the increasing influence in Arne Slot's system.
Against Wolves, Wirtz had 104 touches, made 84 passes and completed 71. He created 3 chances - the most on the field - and immediately approached and blocked every time he lost the ball. After months of pressure from the media, this performance showed that Wirtz finally began to catch up with the Premier League.
The feeling on the field, with the fans around, is wonderful. I am very happy. I am confident that one day I will score. I want to score and assist sooner, but things are happening like this and I have to accept it. I know that will come and I try to continue" - the German international said.
Wirtz must also be satisfied when witnessing Jeremie Frimpong - a close friend and former teammate at Leverkusen - leave his mark. In his first start in the tournament since August, the Dutch international brought the necessary speed and skill from the right-back position, before assisting Ryan Gravenberch to open the score in the 41st minute.
Just 90 seconds later, Wirtz doubled the gap from Hugo Ekitike's sharp pass, helping Liverpool take the initiative against Wolves - a team that has not yet won any matches this season. However, The Kop having to hold their breath after Santiago Bueno's header from a corner kick at the beginning of the second half certainly made Slot worried. Liverpool have conceded 12 goals from set pieces in the Premier League this season.
Since the beginning of the season, Liverpool has dropped the 2-0 lead four times in all competitions. And if it weren't for Conor Bradley's excellent save to deflect Jhon Arias' goal in the final minutes, that forgettable scenario could have been repeated.
Of course, when leading 2-0 in the first half, you will expect the second half to be completely different. But in football, a goal can change the situation. After the score of 2-1, the match is more balanced and you will be worried every time the opponent attacks.
However, I don't think we reveal too many really dangerous chances. In general, I see a team fighting to win, not with the best football, but it's a real battle" - Slot said.
In the context that Mohamed Salah is attending AFCON and Alexander Isak is on long-term leave after surgery to break his ankle and calf, Wirtz's first goal came right at the time Liverpool needed more output contributions. The lack of reserve options is also affecting The Kop's ability to control the game - something they may have to consider in the January transfer window.
However, Liverpool are unbeaten in 7 consecutive matches in all competitions and have won 14/18 maximum points in the most recent Premier League. The focus of that revival process is the improved form of Wirtz, and Slot does not spare praise.
I'm pretty sure that's relief for him. In football, we often judge players through goals and assists, and sometimes forget other things to do.
Wirtz has had many good matches for us, and I think he progresses after each match. He is more energetic, getting closer to the first goal. And his scoring today is not surprising" - Slot shared.
It's a bit of a bit of a bit of a bit of a bit of a bit.
