Liverpool still haven’t clicked as an attacking machine this season, but there are very positive signs for the relationship between Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike.
Such was the pair’s synchronisation off the bench against Barnsley, they actually achieved something no two Liverpool substitutes have ever managed.
In the second half of the win over Barnsley, Ekitike and Wirtz became the first pair of substitutes in the Liverpool history to both assist each other after coming on in the same match, according to Opta’s Michael Reid.
That is at least since records began.
Exuding a little-and-large aesthetic, the diminutive physique of Wirtz contrasted with Ekitike’s leggy-but-graceful style almost reminds you of the partnership between Kenny Dalglish and Ian Rush.
Of course, they aren’t yet even in the same realm of status at Liverpool, but the way they play off each other bears comparison.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, January 12, 2026: Liverpool's (L-R) Florian Wirtz celebrates with team-mate Hugo Ekitike, who gave the assist, after scoring his side's third goal during the FA Cup 3rd Round match between Liverpool FC and Barnsley FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
With Liverpool struggling to break down League One opposition, the introduction of the two attackers brought with it creativity, and while not everything they tried came off, their inventiveness was the cause of the Reds’ third and fourth goals.
This wasn’t the first time that the duo have linked up this season. In fact, they have now combined for three strikes in Ekitike’s last three appearances.
Two of Wirtz’s three Liverpool goals have been set up by Ekitike and the occasions on which they have assisted each other haven’t been mere coincidences, as the assists statistic can sometimes disguise, they have been clear examples of the pair being on the same wavelength.
In half an hour against Barnsley, Wirtz scored a goal, provided an assist, created two FotMob-defined big chances and produced 1.40 xG+xA (expected goals plus expected assists).
Meanwhile, Ekitike added to his goal tally, taking his total for the season so far to 11 goals and three assists.
With 0.63 goals per 90 in the Premier League this campaign, FotMob ranks the Frenchman in the top 16 percent of his positional peers for goals scored this season across Europe’s top five leagues.
Behind Ekitike, Wirtz is creating 2.16 chances per 90 which puts him in the top 10 percent of comparable players.
Building the team around these two players should be where Liverpool are headed in the coming years, ideally also finding a solution to bring out the best in Alexander Isak.
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