Florian Wirtz impressed again as Liverpool end Sunderland’s unbeaten Premier League run at home with a 1-0 victory at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday night
Steven Gerrard has praised Florian Wirtz
Steven Gerrard has praised Florian Wirtz
View 2 Images
Steven Gerrard revealed he would love to play alongside Florian Wirtz as he praised the Liverpool star for his performance against Sunderland. The Reds started their summer business with a statement of intent by securing the services of the sought-after German from Bayer Leverkusen in a package worth a then-British record £116m.
Liverpool saw off competition from Manchester City and Bayern Munich for his signature. However, Wirtz only showed brief glimpses of his talent in the opening weeks of the season.
But in the last few months, the Germany international has shown just why so many of Europe’s elite were chasing his signature during the summer.
Author avatar
Author avatar
And although he didn’t score or claim an assist, Wirtz once again impressed as his side reignited their hopes of Champions League qualification with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Black Cats on Wednesday night.
Speaking after the game at the Stadium of Light, Gerrard was full of praise for Wirtz, saying: “Game by game he is evolving and he is improving after a tough start. A big price tag and a lot of pressure – a big move for him.
“Owen (Hargreaves) will know in terms of the move to speak about that more than me, but in terms of this kid’s technical level it is world class.
“He has the world at his feet. He is so exciting to watch. In tight little areas his first touch, his awareness of what is around him is superb.
Florian Wirtz in action for Liverpool against Sunderland
Florian Wirtz in action for Liverpool against Sunderland(Image: (Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images))
View 2 Images
“He is always looking to create goals and try to get on the scoresheet. For me, I always watch players and think, 'Would I like to play with him?' and I would love to play with this kid.
“He’s always in space and he is so clever in terms of areas where to receive the ball. I just think he is so exciting for the Premier League and delighted he is a Liverpool player.
“His awareness and his give and goes. He is just on a wavelength, and he is streets ahead of the defensive play. His performance was immaculate.”
Hargreaves was in full agreement with Gerrard and believes Wirtz is currently Liverpool’s best player. He said: “He created a lot at the beginning of the season, but players didn’t take a lot of the chances; he could have four, five, six assists from earlier in the season.
“So that was unfortunate for him, but if you watch him, he is very humble and calm, he doesn't get too up or too down.
“Anyone that has managed him or played with him, Toni Kroos, Julian Nagelsmann, Xabi Alonso, they all think the world of him. I think right now he is Liverpool’s best player. Think about the great players they have out on the pitch.”
Before Gerrard continued: “I think tonight in terms of someone looking to open the door, he was probably the most inventive and most creative.
“You could say that (Dominik) Szoboszlai would probably edge him in terms of consistency over the season, but this kid is getting better and better.
“I think he has shown why Liverpool have gone out and spent so much money and what people don’t give him enough credit for is the job he does out of possession.
“A lot of No.10s and wide forwards, if you like, they don’t really do much going back (the other way), but this kid on the ball turnover is so quick to react. He is so honest and think the defensive in the team will really appreciate the job he does.”
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source.Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings.