Amidst the familiar roar of Anfield, a long-awaited moment finally arrived for Liverpool's record signing. Florian Wirtz, the £116million summer arrival from Bayer Leverkusen, scored his first goal for the club at the 23rd attempt, helping his side to a 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers. The strike offered a tantalising glimpse of the creative future the Reds invested so heavily in, even as persistent defensive issues provided a sobering counterpoint.
Wirtz Announces His Arrival
The German international's performance was a statement of intent. After a bedding-in period hampered by fitness concerns, Wirtz has been on a specialised physical programme, adding around two kilograms to cope with the Premier League's intensity. The investment in the gym paid clear dividends against Wolves. The 22-year-old dictated the tempo, gliding past challenges with a deft shimmy and threading incisive passes. His goal, a product of intelligent movement and a composed finish, was the culmination of his growing influence.
His display inevitably drew comparisons with another new Premier League creative force. Earlier in the day, fans at Anfield would have seen on the big screens that Manchester City's £34m signing Rayan Cherki was in red-hot form. The narrative of two young 'wizards' spearheading their teams for years to come is enticing, but as Wirtz showed, he is ready to write his own chapter on Merseyside.
Persistent Problems at the Back
For all the positivity generated by Wirtz's breakthrough, the victory was far from convincing. Liverpool conceded yet again from a set-piece, a recurring flaw that has seen them leak a league-worst twelve goals from dead-ball situations this season. The anxiety that crept in during the second half mirrored their narrow win over Tottenham last week, leaving a sense that the result was more fragile than the scoreline suggested.
Manager Arne Slot was under no illusions. While a fourth consecutive win sends fans into the New Year on a high, the defensive vulnerability, particularly with a physical Leeds United side next on the fixture list, is an urgent issue. The Kop, who once serenaded their own set-piece prowess, now have more reason for concern than celebration when defending corners.
Chiesa's Chance and Frimpong's Flank
The match also provided a rare Premier League start for Federico Chiesa in a meaningful contest. The Italian winger, whose only previous start came after the title was secured last season, showed flashes but did not fully justify the clamour for his inclusion. He did enough, however, to suggest he warrants further opportunities to find his rhythm. On the opposite flank, Jeremie Frimpong delivered an impressive performance, offering width and dynamism that consistently troubled the Wolves defence.
In the end, the day belonged to Wirtz. One goal against a struggling Wolves side does not validate a £116m price tag, but it is a crucial first step. It signals the beginning of his journey to become the creative heartbeat of Liverpool's next generation. For Slot, the challenge is now dual: to nurture this burgeoning talent while swiftly fixing the defensive cracks that threaten to undermine their progress.
