Florian Wirtz impressed in Liverpool’s 2-1 win at Tottenham, and thankfully, a positive fitness update has emerged following his late substitution and hamstring fears.
The Reds made it six matches unbeaten on Saturday evening, even though they threatened to throw away two points against a nine-man Spurs side late on.
Wirtz’s stood out as arguably Liverpool’s top performer on the day, receiving This Is Anfield‘s Man of the Match award, but he was replaced in stoppage time.
According to The Athletic‘s James Pearce, the club are confident that it was simply cramp for the 22-year-old, rather than a more serious issue.
That said, a scan is required “for confirmation,” with Liverpool fans holding their breath after fellow big-money signing Alexander Isak limped off having scored the opener at Spurs.
Another promising Liverpool display from Wirtz
Wirtz’s start at Liverpool has been criticised, mainly due to the eye-watering amount spent on him in the summer, but he is improving by the game.
Against Spurs, the German not only registered his first-ever Premier League assist, teeing up Isak, but he shone in various facets of his game.
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He completed four out of five dribbles, per FotMob, hinting at a growing confidence in his game, and he also impressed out of possession, making eight defensive contributions.
Nobody made more for Liverpool, with Hungarian pair Milos Kerkez and Dominik Szoboszlai matching him.
Wirtz is naturally under the microscope because of his £116 million price tag, with anything other than fireworks every week seemingly not enough in the eyes of some.
But while more is required, in terms of performing at a world-class level, he is an increasingly key player for Liverpool, and spoke positively to LiverpoolFC.com after the Spurs win.
“I think I had a few good situations,” Wirtz said.
“I got into some good positions to create something dangerous for goals.
“It’s getting better every week, I can feel this on the pitch and it makes me happy that I can enjoy the football.”
Wirtz’s subtle quality in tight areas makes him tough to mark, with his work off the ball also impressive, and it feels like a matter of time before the goals and assists begin to flow more regularly.