Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Wolves featured a decisive first goal for Florian Wirtz, and Virgil van Dijk believes the midfielder must now maintain these standards as the team continues a six-match unbeaten Premier League run under Arne Slot.
That victory left Liverpool in fourth place after 18 league fixtures, with Leeds United set to visit Anfield on January 1. Wirtz’s decisive strike ended a frustrating personal wait since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer transfer window.
The Germany international scored what proved to be the winner against Wolves, finally breaking a scoring drought in England. Before that goal, Wirtz had taken 22 Premier League shots for Liverpool, generating a total expected goals value of 3.0 but no previous strikes.
Against Wolves, Wirtz produced one of Liverpool’s standout individual displays this season. The playmaker completed seven of nine attempted dribbles, the most by any Liverpool player in a Premier League match since Ryan Gravenberch achieved the same feat against West Ham in April 2024.
Van Dijk highlighted how Wirtz is adapting to Slot’s demands and Liverpool’s game model. The captain also underlined the importance of Wirtz’s off-ball work, noting the midfielder’s movement between positions and his desire to influence matches through both goals and assists.
"I was very happy for him, Van Dijk said. He played a very good game. Everyone was outstanding in the first half. It's great to see and hopefully many more to come from him. He's getting used to playing for Liverpool and what we want to do as a team. He's getting used to the intensity. After about 70 minutes I think he had cramp. It's part of the game. He just has to keep going. It was an important goal for us and now on to New Year's Day. "
"I think he runs almost everywhere. At times on the left, at times in the middle. He's a very intelligent player who is so comfortable on the ball. He finds space between the lines and can be very important. He wants to be important in terms of goals and assists. The work rate he puts in and the chances he creates are what I think are even more important. I am really pleased for him, like the rest of the team. You saw the celebrations. Everyone is so happy for him. "
With Liverpool’s form improving and the Florian Wirtz Liverpool goal easing pressure on a major signing, Van Dijk’s comments underline internal confidence that Wirtz’s influence will rise as fitness, familiarity and understanding of Slot’s system continue to build.
