Florian Wirtz has really started to come to life in recent weeks following his £116m move in the summer.
The Reds will kick off 2026 with a tricky fixture at home to Leeds United, with these two only facing each other less than a month ago.
That game was rather chaotic, with Liverpool blowing a two-goal lead to end up drawing 3-3, a result that had fans worried.
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Since then, they have won four on the bounce and will be looking to put things right, with Wirtz someone who could really help them out given his upturn in form.
How would you rate Florian Wirtz’s signing so far?
Florian Wirtz celebrates in front of the Anfield crowd after scoring for Liverpool against Wolves in the Premier League.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
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Leeds manager Daniel Farke spoke about the German during his pre-match press conference too, with his backhanded compliment highlighting why Liverpool really should be winning this one.
Florian Wirtz cost more than all of Leeds’ new signings
Wirtz has had his fair share of criticism since joining Liverpool in the summer, which some would argue is justified given how much he cost them.
But lately, he has really started to come into his own, with his goal against Wolves his first for the club and hopefully the beginning of something big.
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Farke is clearly aware of his threat too after being asked about Wirtz during his press conference, but he was quick to make a tongue-in-cheek comment about his price-tag that shows why Liverpool really ought to be winning it.
“Florian Wirtz is a player of unbelievable potential,” Farke said in his press conference.
“I think, just him alone, cost more money than the amount we spent in the summer on all of our signings.”
He is right too as Wirtz cost the Reds £116m, while Leeds spent £103.1m across 10 players according to Sky Sports.
Leeds’ style of play is exactly what Liverpool struggle against
Liverpool have a VERY strange record against Leeds! What do you think the score is going to be on New Year’s Day?
Liverpool's recent results vs Leeds
Liverpool’s recent results vs Leeds
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Having a lot more money than Leeds does not mean that Liverpool will automatically win, especially given how in-form the Whites are.
Their style of play has caused most teams real problems as of late, with their physical and direct approach the exact thing Liverpool struggle against.
The Reds have conceded from more set pieces than anyone in Europe, while they have found direct balls a real problem to deal with.
With the form Dominic Calvert-Lewin is in too after scoring six in his last five, the Englishman will very likely cause Liverpool some big problems in the air, showing how money spent really will not help them in this situation.
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