Ian Doyle with his on-the-whistle analysis after Florian Wirtz's intervention helped Liverpool to earn a 1-1 draw with Sunderland at Anfield
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 03: Florian Wirtz of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammate Andrew Robertson during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Sunderland at Anfield on December 03, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Andy Robertson congratulates Florian Wirtz after his run and shot helps bring Liverpool level against Sunderland
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It would be pushing matters to suggest this represents lift-off for Florian Wirtz at Liverpool. But in a week when the scrutiny has been intense on the faltering Premier League champions, the Germany international is now demonstrating signs of why the Reds have invested so much in him spearheading the future.
Following a man-of-the-match display in Sunday’s win at West Ham United, here Wirtz dragged Liverpool by the scruff of the neck to avoid what would have been a third successive damaging home defeat.
Sure, there was a touch of luck as his 81st-minute shot deflected in off the heel of Nordi Mukiele to equalise a similarly fortunate opener from Chemsdine Talbi midway through the second half.
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Wirtz, though, had merited that rub of the green for the clever feet that saw him dance beyond two defenders when accepting a pass inside the penalty area from substitute Curtis Jones.
Certainly, there can be no questioning the attitude and aptitude of the 22-year-old, who embraced his responsibilities whether in his starting number 10 role or the left flank to which he was switched for the second half.
Tellingly, though, it was when in a central area that Wirtz again did the greatest damage.
While it has taken time for him to adapt to the physicality of the Premier League – there have been no question marks over that in the last two outings – Wirtz couldn’t have expected to come into a Liverpool team that, almost four months into the season, continues to flounder for consistency.
If another morale-boosting contribution for the player, it was also hugely timely for Reds boss Arne Slot.
Another loss, particularly at Anfield after the recent horrors against Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven, would have increased the speculation surrounding his tenure.
Instead, this was the first time this season Liverpool have avoided defeat in the Premier League having fallen behind, and remarkably their first top-flight draw since May.
With the equaliser eventually being determined a Mukiele own goal, Wirtz is still waiting to break his duck since his £116million arrival from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer. Sometimes, though, the numbers don’t tell the full story.