Gary Neville Highlights Wirtz and Ekitike Partnership as Liverpool’s Creative Engine

Florian Wirtz’s rapid rise at Liverpool has continued to gather momentum, with his latest performance against Newcastle United underlining why the club invested so heavily in his arrival. Alongside Hugo Ekitike, the German international is beginning to shape Liverpool’s attacking identity, earning strong praise from Gary Neville and reinforcing belief that the Reds’ forward line is finding its rhythm at a crucial stage of the season.

Wirtz’s display in the 4-1 victory over Newcastle represented another step forward in his adaptation to English football, as he combined creativity with composure in decisive moments.

Wirtz Influence Grows at Anfield

Wirtz recorded two direct goal contributions against Newcastle, assisting Ekitike’s equaliser before scoring Liverpool’s third with a calm finish in the second half. It was another reminder of his growing authority in the final third.

Since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth around £100 million, Wirtz’s integration has been carefully managed. His early months were described internally as a “soft launch”, with Liverpool keen to protect him from excessive pressure. However, that patience is now paying dividends.

The 21-year-old has scored six goals in his last ten appearances in all competitions, while also contributing assists and key passes. His increased physical resilience and improved understanding of Premier League tempo have allowed him to operate more freely between the lines.

As Liverpool push through the latter stages of the campaign, Wirtz is no longer viewed as a developing talent, but as a central figure in their attacking structure.

Neville Assessment of Wirtz and Ekitike Link

Gary Neville believes that Wirtz’s evolution has been closely linked to his relationship with Ekitike, who joined Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal that could rise to £79 million.

Speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast, the former Manchester United defender said:

“The response from Liverpool was excellent. I’ve been saying it for quite a while, I’ve been saying Ekitike is fantastic for quite a while, but Wirtz has just got to get himself in that left channel, as close to the penalty box as he can. He really can slow his mind down in those final moments. He’s got real composure, a cold mind. I’ve said all season he drops too deep.”

Neville also highlighted similarities between Wirtz’s positioning and the role played by Bruno Fernandes in elite attacking systems.

“There’s an element of watching Bruno Fernandes close to Bryan Mbuemo; just get Wirtz close to Ekitike, get them near to each other and you’ll be in business because he’s got the quality in tight areas and can find a pass,” Neville added.

“He can manipulate the ball and knows where he is. It’s a real unique quality to be able to do that and that’s why Liverpool paid the money for him. He looks like he’s starting to purr now.”

Tactical Fit Under Arne Slot

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has also emphasised the importance of continuity in helping Wirtz and Ekitike develop their partnership. Injuries and fixture congestion earlier in the season limited the pair’s opportunities to play together consistently, but recent stability has allowed patterns to emerge.

Slot said: “The more players play together, the more they can find an understanding. Earlier in the season, it was difficult for them to play every three days, but now they are able to do that.

“They can play more often together, we can play more often with the same combinations, and the more you can do that, the better it is.”

From a tactical perspective, Wirtz’s tendency to drift into the left half-space complements Ekitike’s movement across the frontline. The striker’s willingness to run channels creates space for Wirtz to operate centrally, while his finishing ability ensures that chances are converted.

Slot’s preference for stability in selection has further strengthened these connections, with Liverpool increasingly resembling a settled, cohesive unit.

What Partnership Means for Title Push

With six combined goals in all competitions already this season, Wirtz and Ekitike are beginning to justify Liverpool’s significant financial outlay. More importantly, they are offering the side a reliable creative axis capable of unlocking deep defensive blocks.

Gary Neville’s comments reflect a wider sense that Liverpool’s attacking balance is improving at the right time. Wirtz’s composure in tight areas, allied with Ekitike’s directness, provides multiple routes to goal and reduces reliance on individual moments of brilliance.

As the campaign enters its decisive phase, Liverpool’s ambitions in domestic and European competitions will depend heavily on maintaining this momentum. If Wirtz continues to “purr”, as Neville suggests, and if Ekitike sustains his finishing form, Liverpool may possess one of the league’s most dynamic partnerships.

For Arne Slot, the challenge will be preserving fitness and consistency while allowing this relationship to flourish. For supporters, the early signs suggest that Wirtz and Ekitike could form the foundation of Liverpool’s attacking identity for years to come.