Ian Doyle with the talking points from Liverpool's dismal goalless Premier League draw at home to Leeds United on Thursday evening
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: Florian Wirtz of Liverpool runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Lukas Nmecha and Pascal Struijk of Leeds United during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Leeds United at Anfield on January 01, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Florian Wirtz runs with the ball while under pressure from Lukas Nmecha and Pascal Struijk during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Leeds United at Anfield on January 01, 2026
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The moment summed up a frustrating evening for Florian Wirtz. Minutes into the second half, the Liverpool attacking midfielder foraged his way down the inside left channel into the area and appeared ready to unleash a shot.
Instead, Wirtz took a touch and then, with the opening having gone, played a backheel straight to a Leeds United defender. The home support groaned in response.
Such was the fortune of the 22-year-old who, having stepped up in recent weeks as a key tenet in Liverpool’s unbeaten run, struggled to replicate that influence up against the massed ranks of the Leeds defence.
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Perhaps that shouldn’t be surprised. While now accustomed to the intensity and physicality of the Premier League, Wirtz – who didn’t train earlier in the week – is experiencing the hectic festive schedule in England for the first time.
Inopportune, then, that it came in precisely the type of game for which the Germany international's unique talents were bought.
But it shouldn’t be all about the Germany international. While Jeremie Frimpong tried again to create from the right flank, few of Liverpool’s other players were capable of offering a cutting edge.
And even when Frimpong and Andy Robertson delivered teasing crosses in the first half, Hugo Ekitike and his team-mates were caught on the backfoot – perhaps highlighting the safety-first attitude of this Reds team at present.
Honest Ekitike
Is there such a thing as being too honest in football? It’s a question worth asking after another conundrum posed by the reluctance of Liverpool players to hit the deck.
During the first half here, a long ball over the top of the Leeds United defence gave Ekitike space in which to progress into the penalty area.
For much of his run, the Reds striker was being impeded by the arms of Jaka Bijol. Had he gone to ground when inside the box, it would have been almost impossible for referee Chris Kavanagh and VAR Darren England to ignore the claims.
Instead, as is his way, Ekitike stayed on his feet and played a pass to Wirtz for a shot that was eventually blocked. Liverpool realistically didn’t come as close again to scoring.
Arne Slot has long spoken about the honesty of his players not exactly being rewarded, with Ekitike already used as an example earlier in the campaign.
And it perhaps served to underline the lack of devilment and such edge in Liverpool’s squad. While not a prerequisite for a trophy-chasing team, a little bit could go a long way right now.
Rio reward incoming
It may have only been a brief cameo. But there was encouragement at the sight of Rio Ngumoha being back on the pitch.
Having made his breakthrough in explosive fashion with the late winner at Newcastle United in August, the 17-year-old has, not unsurprisingly, been used sparingly with Slot not wanting to expose him to Liverpool’s travails.
The consequence, though, has been Ngumoha being left in a sort of limbo, unable to represent the under-21s due to first-team duty and then left unused on the bench. Indeed, this was his first senior action in almost six weeks.
He made the most of it, providing two key passes after his introduction on 84 minutes. Only Dominik Szoboszlai, with three, made more during the entire match.
If Ngumoha’s tender years suggest he isn’t quite ready for a Premier League start, maybe Liverpool could do with his unpredictability, pace and trickery from the bench in games to come.
And the FA Cup third-round home tie against Barnsley on Monday week seems ideal for the teenager to be given an extended run-out.