**Liverpool move closer to the Premier League top four with a 2-1 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.**
After losing to Man City, the Reds’ Champions League qualification efforts were dampened but after Man United’s draw with West Ham United, it gave Liverpool ground to gain.
Liverpool’s injury woes this season continue…
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Wataru Endo was stretchered off in the 63rd minute, requiring pain relief on the pitch before the medics carried him off likely to an ambulance to go to the hospital.
The Japanese midfielder was deputising at right-back amid the injury crisis in the position, especially after Dominik Szoboszlai was sent off against Man City, ruling him out of this fixture.
Arne Slot now has even more injury woes to contend with, which is not going to help his job at winning the Anfield faithful back to his cause after a string of confusing Liverpool performances.
Florian Wirtz continues to shine for Liverpool – he will be scary when things eventually click for the team
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When Liverpool finally click as a team again – whether under Arne Slot or a new coach – Wirtz will be a terrifying force to reckon with in the Premier League.
For those that don’t watch Liverpool regularly, that may seem like an over-exageration but the 22-year-old is a truly special talent and while it has been showcased in short bursts, he will be way more consistent when the team is in full flow again. Regular watchers of Liverpool will testify to this.
His full-time stats were very impressive after a sub-par display against Man City.
With a pass accuracy of 88%, you’d expect a midfielder to have been rather safe wit their pass selection. Yet, Wirtz was not yet his accuracy did not suffer, playing two key passes as well.
The German was effective off the ball as well, with four ball recoveries and a 100% dribble success rate.
After hitting the post and having a fine shot blocked on the line, the only thing missing from his performance was a goal.