FLORIAN WIRTZ IS FINALLY SHOWING SIGNS OF LIFE AT LIVERPOOL, BUT ANDONI IRAOLA STILL NEEDS MORE FROM HIS £116M PLAYMAKER

Florian Wirtz is beginning to deliver the attacking influence Liverpool expected from their £116 million signing, but sustaining that improvement remains the challenge.

The German playmaker contributed a goal or an assist in three consecutive victories against LASK, Brentford and Villarreal, offering encouragement after criticism of his earlier performances.

Against Brentford, Wirtz created nine chances from open play and supplied the pass for Victor Munoz’s equaliser. He then scored against Villarreal, ending a goal drought stretching back to April.

Manager Andoni Iraola welcomed the improvement, praising Wirtz’s contribution both with and without possession.

However, there are reasons for caution. Six of his nine chances at Brentford came after the hosts were reduced to ten men, giving him more space to operate.

Liverpool also need to balance his creative freedom with protection against counterattacks. Finding that balance could help Wirtz influence matches without leaving the midfield exposed.

Fixtures against Brighton, Chelsea and Arsenal now offer a tougher examination of his progress.

His recent displays provide grounds for optimism. Liverpool’s next requirement is for those promising moments to become a dependable feature of his game.