Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz silenced some of the criticism he's received in recent weeks with a strong creative display against Brentford that included an assist
Florian Wirtz
Florian Wirtz was named Liverpool's Man of the Match against Brentford(Image: Getty Images)
Saturday's 2-1 away win over Brentford at the Gtech Community was Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz's best showing of the young Premier League season by a country mile.
The German No. 10 created nine chances from open play, a stat helped by the Bees playing with 10 players in the second half after a petulant headbutt from Yehor Yarmaluk earned the Brentford midfielder a straight red.
Wirtz's nine chances created were the most from open play in a Premier League fixture since ex-Red Sadio Mane created the same amount against Burnley in January 2021. Even if corner/set pieces are considered, it's the most since Dejan Kulusevski's nine in September 2024.
Andoni Iraola noticed, shouting out Wirtz amidst a trio of top performers. "There are very few spaces, small pockets and [very little] time on the ball," the Spanish coach said.
"You have to find delicate things because Brentford is a team that defends the box really, really well. You need players like Flo, Rio, Victor, who was lovely as a right back."
Florian Wirtz
Florian Wirtz had plenty of space to work with on Saturday(Image: Getty Images)
Wirtz's best pass was a through ball to Victor Munoz, who was playing at right-back in the second half after an injury to Jeremie Frimpong, leading to the game's equalizing goal.
It was just the Wirtz's second goal involvement of the season. He cost the club $135 million in the 2025 summer window, and more output is expected, but Saturday's performance is a good step in the right direction.
Wirtz has faced a cacophony of criticism from Liverpool fans in recent weeks, especially after his borderline-invisible showing in a 3-0 home loss to Manchester City last week.
Longtime Reds defender Jamie Carragher appeared on Sky Sports post-match and questioned if Wirtz should remain in the starting XI. "I think he needs to come out of the team; I said that last time out, and I'm going to say it again," Carragher said.
"Liverpool have a real problem this season with scoring goals and creating chances, and that's what you bought Wirtz for. He's not giving you anything defensively, and he's not giving you anything going the other way."
"I don't want anyone to pile in on the lad or have a go, but I just think we're justified in saying we need more and we can't wait.
Liverpool's next match is a home Champions League fixture against Spanish side Villarreal on Tuesday.
The club will stay at Anfield moving into the weekend, hosting Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League.