In a disappointing Premier League title defense season, the promising attacking combination between Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz is giving Liverpool the belief that everything can still be saved.
Before the great battle with Manchester City at Anfield, Arne Slot's team still revealed an uncomfortable instability when struggling to find their identity. They could have played sublimely away from home at the Stade Velodrome two weeks ago, but just a few days later conceded 3 goals against Bournemouth and fell out of the top 4.
However, amidst the gloomy picture when the defending champion has lost a total of 10 matches this season - more than last season - the recent form of the two summer 2025 blockbusters shows that Slot and his students are not necessarily out of options.
In the match against Newcastle United at Anfield last weekend, when Liverpool was down, the stands seemed to sigh in unison. But just a few minutes later, the home team equalized thanks to a smooth combination, unlocked by quick handling in a narrow space by Wirtz, before Ekitike unleashed a dangerous finish into the lower corner, starting the comeback.
That means this duo has contributed to 6 goals in all competitions this season - more than any other pair in the Premier League - when each person has 3 assists for the other. Notably, 5 of them have occurred since the end of December last year, when their understanding has accelerated significantly.
That combination also made former center-back Jamie Carragher particularly excited. According to the former Liverpool captain, this is a signal for the future of the team, as Liverpool sooner or later must reduce dependence on Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. He emphasized that witnessing new players playing like they are now will bring Slot clear hope.
However, Ekitike and Wirtz did not immediately match. Partly because Wirtz - who was brought in to help break deep defensive blocks - initially had difficulty adapting to the harsh physical requirements of the Premier League after the record transfer. Both only needed 4 minutes in their official debut to coordinate goals in the English Super Cup match against Crystal Palace, when they coordinated well on the left flank, where both preferred.
But while Ekitike quickly regained form with 3 more goals and one assist in the next 5 matches, Wirtz had to wait until the victory against bottom-ranked Wolves on December 27 to score his first goal for Liverpool.
Wirtz's bottom touch came in November, right in the confrontation with Man City at the Etihad Stadium, when Liverpool played below par and lost 0-3. The German midfielder almost disappeared throughout the match, becoming the focus of criticism. At that time, many opinions suggested that Liverpool should soon demand more from a player with a huge fee, instead of just being patient for reasons of being young or new to a new environment.
At the same time, Ekitike also went through a goal drought in the Premier League when he has not scored since September. But since the gloomy winter afternoon in Manchester, both have gradually proven why Liverpool is willing to invest nearly 200 million pounds to bring them to Anfield.
Wirtz strengthened his fitness by training more in the gym, which is often a shock to foreign newcomers. And the more he goes on the field, the more he understands his teammates. Slot also praised Wirtz's attitude, not only on the field but also in the gym.
The Dutch captain emphasized that the only way for Wirtz to progress is to continue to be given opportunities. According to Slot, Wirtz is already excellent in technique, and the most obvious improvement is his ability to move without the ball and the level of harmony with the team.
More importantly, the connection between Ekitike and Wirtz is flourishing thanks to the understanding on the field and the bond in real life. They both played in the Bundesliga before coming to Anfield, and now that understanding is turning into effectiveness.
