The German international was on the scoresheet for Liverpool against Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 2: Florian Wirtz #7 of Liverpool celebrates scoring a goal during the first half during the pre-season friendly against Leeds United at Soldier Field on August 2, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)(Image: Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
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The ease with which Florian Wirtz breezed through his first 45 minutes of the pre-season schedule bordered on contemptuous at times here in Chicago.
Liverpool's £116m playmaker might have been performing in one of the true cathedrals of American sport - the impressive Soldier Field, the home of NFL franchise the Chicago Bears - but he might as well have been having a kick-about in his back garden for all he cared.
Much was made of Wirtz's maiden campaign on Merseyside, in particular the difficulty he had adapting to the ferocity of the Premier League when he made the step up from the Bundesliga, having become the jewel of German football during his time as Bayer Leverkusen's star man.
It was telling how often the great and the good of German football, including a certain Jurgen Klopp, would line up last season to explain just how good the most expensive export in Bundesliga history is and will eventually be at Liverpool.
And in truth, most of the problems Wirtz encountered were not of his own making. He joined a dressing room that was in mourning a little over 12 months ago and the entire pre-season period was disrupted as a result. Few players in world football would have flourished in those unique circumstances.
Adapting to the increased intensity following that was always going to be tough and as the form of other, more experienced players dipped, Arne Slot was unable to make real use of Wirtz's gifts.
That, though, is all in the rearview mirror and with Wirtz now demanded to step up and, alongside Alexander Isak, become the posterboy of a new era at Anfield, this was an encouraging start. Admittedly some additional aggression and power are needed but the hope is that the penny has long since dropped now.
Of course, bigger tests will come than a pre-season run-out on the other side of the Atlantic but the No.7 was undoubtedly excellent here against Leeds United, playing enough cute passes and neat one-twos in dangerous areas to suggest that pace and speed around him will truly unlock a new level.
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Wirtz, who was replaced at the break, was content all half to take the ball in all areas of the pitch and his use of it was always intelligent. One through ball to Rio Ngumoha drew gasps around Soldier Field and his link-up play with all three in the frontline bodes well. One slick back-heel to Isak almost paid off handsomely too.
The timing of his run for the classy second, which came when Jeremie Frimpong cushioned Trey Nyoni's cross-field pass into the six-yard box, was the sort of stuff Wirtz will need to make his calling card this season. It was a neat finish to get himself up and running at club level once more on the back of the World Cup.
The 22-year-old was signed to inject some creativity into a side that was losing Trent Alexander-Arnold in June 2025 and while last season was nowhere near the expected levels, there was still enough to hint that there was a star-in-waiting at Anfield.
Seven goals and eight assists across all competitions was not the return of a big-money flop but there is no doubt that there are still several gears he has to go through to prove himself as a hit at Liverpool.
But now is the time to make good on that promise under Andoni Iraola and with so many looking for a fresh start and a clean slate, few should be as poised to benefit as Wirtz.
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