Steven Gerrard was effusive in his praise of Florian Wirtz after being named Man of the Match vs. Sunderland, saying: “I would have loved to play with this kid.”
Wirtz produced another dazzling display as Liverpool beat Sunderland 1-0 at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday, including more touches (81) and shots (five) than any other player.
Though the Reds struggled to find the goal they needed until Virgil van Dijk‘s second-half header, the No. 7 was by far their most dangerous outlet.
And speaking in the TNT Sports studio after the game, former Liverpool captain Gerrard lauded the £116 million summer signing.
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - Wednesday, February 11, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz during the FA Premier League match between Sunderland AFC and Liverpool FC at the Stadium of Light. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“Game by game he’s evolving, he’s improving. After a tough start, big price tag, a lot of pressure, big move for him,” he said.
“In terms of this kid’s technical level, it’s world class. He’s got the world at his feet. He’s so exciting to watch.
“In tight little areas his first touch is immaculate. His awareness of what’s around him is superb, he’s always looking to create goals, he’s always trying to get on the scoresheet as well.
“For me, I always watch players and think to myself: ‘Would I like to play with him?’. I would have loved to play with this kid.
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“For me, I always watch players and think to myself: ‘Would I like to play with him?’.
“I would have loved to play with this kid.”
Steven Gerrard
“He’s always in space, he’s so clever in terms of areas where to receive the ball.
“I just think he’s so exciting for the Premier League and obviously delighted that he’s a Liverpool player.
“His awareness and his give-and-goes, he’s just on the wavelength. He’s streets ahead of the defensive players.
“The only thing he didn’t do today was get a number in his game, but his performance was immaculate.”
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, November 30, 2025: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz challis challenged by West Ham United's Lucas Paquetá during the FA Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Liverpool FC at the London Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
While Wirtz is rightly being recognised for his creativity and the improved end product he is showing after a quiet start, Gerrard singled out his off-ball work as key.
“I think tonight, in terms of someone looking to open the door, he was probably the most inventive, most creative,” the 45-year-old continued.
“You’d say Szoboszlai would probably edge him in terms of consistency over the season, but this kid’s getting better and better.
“I think he’s shown why Liverpool have gone out and spent so much money on him.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, January 20, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz during a training session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between Olympique de Marseille and Liverpool FC. (Photo by Jessica Hornby/Propaganda)
“What people don’t give him enough credit for as well is the job he does out of possession for the team.
“A lot of No. 10s and wide forwards, they don’t really do much going back for the team, but this kid, on the ball turnover, he’s so quick to react, he’s so honest.
“I think the defensive players in the team will really appreciate the job he does out of possession for the team as well.”
The Big Debate
Is Florian Wirtz actually Liverpool’s best signing of the summer?
After a difficult start to life at Anfield, Florian Wirtz is now showing exactly why Liverpool paid £116 million for his services. While Hugo Ekitike has led the scoring charts, Wirtz’s recent Player of the Month form suggests he is the true centrepiece of a new era.
Join the debate: With Wirtz now hitting his stride, has he overtaken Ekitike as the summer’s standout arrival? Let us know below!