Florian Wirtz Proves his Worth in Liverpool’s Win Over West Ham United
Liverpool supporters have spent months waiting for Florian Wirtz to deliver one of those authoritative displays that justify his £116m arrival from Bayer Leverkusen. Against West Ham United in the 2-0 win, that long awaited moment came. What emerged was a performance that blended elegance, bravery, tempo control and attacking imagination, all while offering a glimpse of what Arne Slot may ultimately build around.
Credit goes to David Lynch who spoke to Dave Davis for Anfield Index, with both offering insight that captured the significance of Wirtz’s afternoon in east London.
Wirtz Sets The Rhythm
For Lynch, this was the clearest sign yet of what Liverpool believed they were buying. He summed it up succinctly: “The most enjoyable aspect of the game was his performance. I think that’s the best we have seen him play in the Premier League.”
It was the way Wirtz controlled tempo rather than simply contributing within it. Lynch highlighted the substance behind the aesthetics. “There were some really nice touches and turns and he was so good at getting Liverpool on the front foot.”
That front foot emphasis has been central to Slot’s blueprint and Wirtz, perhaps more than anyone, embodies what that vision can look like. Lynch added: “He was central to every good attacking move on the day.” For a player who arrived with expectations larger than most in recent club history, that sentence feels important.
Even in a period of mixed results, the confidence within Liverpool’s setup has not dimmed. Lynch made the point clearly. “Even with this poor run of form, I don’t think any of us have been too worried about Wirtz. I’m not surprised in the slightest.”
And with a nod to what comes next, he concluded: “We saw his class against West Ham and hopefully he can build on that.”
Subtle Brilliance And Growing Influence
Dave Davis brought a different angle, comparing Wirtz’s grace and spatial intelligence to a former Liverpool favourite. “I know he plays in a different position, but there’s definitely an element of Thiago in him because he is so enjoyable to watch.”
That comparison fits. Wirtz is the kind of player who can shape attacks before opponents even understand the threat. Davis underlined that with his assessment of the German’s vision. “Also, it’s not always the assist but it’s the pass before the assist. He can thread balls through and see passes that no one else can.”
Those pre assist moments often go unnoticed in data led discussions, but they are the heartbeat of Slot’s possession framework. Liverpool want midfielders who break lines, manipulate defenders and force opponents into doubt. Wirtz has that rare ability to create sequences rather than simply participate in them.
Building Momentum Under Slot
The final word belonged again to Lynch, who pointed toward a future of increasing output. “The goals and assists will come but it was so nice to see him dictating the play.”
That idea of dictating play, not merely contributing, is where Liverpool’s optimism lies. Wirtz looked liberated, confident and fully aligned with Slot’s structure. For the first time since his blockbuster arrival, Liverpool saw a performance that matched the anticipation. If this becomes the norm rather than the exception, the Premier League may soon see the version of Florian Wirtz that terrorised Bundesliga defences.
