Liverpool attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz has come into some form lately, starting to score and assist regularly with the Reds' attack funneled through the German
11:29, 19 Feb 2026
Florian Wirtz looks on during the FA Cup tie between Liverpool and Brighton at Anfield.
Florian Wirtz looks on during the FA Cup tie between Liverpool and Brighton at Anfield.(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
For all that Liverpool has struggled at times this season, it is the new signings — those who are fit and available, at least — that have stepped up in recent weeks.
Florian Wirtz is now a central piece of the Liverpool attack, while Milos Kerkez had perhaps his best game for the Reds to date against Brighton in the FA Cup. Hugo Ekitike, with 15 goals, was the one who hit the ground running the most.
In the last month or so, Wirtz, in particular, has reached new levels. The 22-year-old now has six goals and eight assists in all competitions this season so far, and in the last few weeks, has really begun to progress.
READ MORE: Arne Slot confirms Liverpool star now ready to start as Jeremie Frimpong injury update issuedREAD MORE: Alexander Isak injury latest as Arne Slot offers potential timescale for Liverpool return
"First and foremost, credit to the player because he has to do the work in the pitch and the gym," Slot said recently. "If he is physically struggling at the start, you need to keep on playing him as that is the only way he can improve.
"I don’t think he improved that much on the ball because from the start he was special but maybe now he has a better connection with his teammates.
"Off the ball, I see the biggest improvement with him. That combination makes you ready for the Premier League."
Florian Wirtz passes the ball during a Liverpool training session.
Florian Wirtz passes the ball during a Liverpool training session.(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Speaking on the Could It Be Magic podcast, former Premier League stars Ashley Cole and Joe Cole were in agreement about Wirtz and the direction that he is heading in England.
"You get all these top players coming to the Prem and people are like: ‘Why is he not going well, he was £100 million?’," Ashley Cole said. "It is not easy, it is not easy and the expectation you have got to deliver."
"We have both played abroad and that gives you a better understanding of how it is for foreigners," Joe Cole added.
"You’ve just been plonked out of your culture and culture zone. I remember when [Thierry Henry] first came in. I thought ‘Who has signed this geezer?'"
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Wirtz has improved his fitness and durability in recent games, and seems much more used to the speed of the Premier League. His quality has never been in doubt, and his true level is starting to become clear.
Liverpool.com says: Wirtz is a wonderful player to watch but he feels more used to the English game now. The most exciting thing is that he is only just getting started, given his age.
Liverpool signed him for the long-term and he is already showing plenty of signs of repaying the faith. When Alexander Isak returns from injury, he will have another world-class player to feed.