Arne Slot backs Liverpool star for success after Wolves win | OneFootball

Liverpool edge Wolves as Wirtz delivers breakthrough moment

Liverpool maintained momentum at Anfield with a 2-1 win over Wolves, a result that continued a good run of results. Goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Florian Wirtz proved decisive in a contest that demanded patience and control, with Wolves competitive throughout.

While the result mattered, much of the post-match focus centred on Wirtz. Signed amid significant expectation, the Germany international opened his Liverpool account with a composed finish that reflected both confidence and quality. It was a moment many inside the stadium felt was coming, given his growing influence across recent matches.

Slot, however, was careful to frame the performance as part of a longer process rather than a final destination. The Liverpool head coach praised Wirtz’s development while reinforcing the standards required at the top level.

Slot assessment sets clear expectations

Speaking after the match, Slot offered a measured view of Wirtz’s progress, balancing praise with a reminder of what lies ahead. He highlighted how players are often judged through a narrow statistical lens, while still acknowledging that goals and assists remain decisive markers.

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“In football rightly so we mainly get judged on results and individuals mainly get judged with goals and assists. We sometimes tend to forget what else is there to do during a game and I think he’s had multiple good games for us but I also feel that he gets better and better every single game he’s playing for us.

“He is getting fitter and fitter and it was getting closer and closer to his first goal and then it’s not a surprise to me he scored one today. But he would probably be the first one to understand that one goal is not enough so.

“He will score much more goals for us.. I also liked his performance during large parts of the game today. I think he was special in a lot of moments.”

Slot’s comments underlined a wider theme within Liverpool’s approach this season, development paired with accountability.

Wirtz influence beyond the goal

Against Wolves, Wirtz operated intelligently between the lines, regularly finding pockets of space and linking Liverpool’s midfield with the forward line. His technical security allowed Liverpool to retain control during spells when the game threatened to become fragmented.

The goal itself was the headline moment, but his off-ball movement, decision making, and awareness consistently disrupted Wolves’ defensive structure. At 22, his performance suggested a player growing into the rhythm and physical demands of English football.

Liverpool’s coaching staff view that adaptation as central to his trajectory, with fitness levels and tactical understanding improving week by week.