Why Liverpool stumble without Florian Wirtz — Jermaine Pennant explains

Jermaine Jenas asked the former Liverpool winger: “You get the job at Liverpool, Arne Slot has been sacked. What’s the first thing that you do? You know, let’s say you got the job start of January, the windows open. Who would you have sold? Who would you have looked to bring in? Who would you be building the team around?”

Pennant replied by picking out Wirtz and explaining how crucial he is for connecting midfield to attack.

He said: “I think probably Florian Wirtz. I think we see when he’s not playing how Liverpool literally just look dead. He is the spark in that team. He does connect the midfield to the front line. He’s just good on the ball.”

Wirtz’s influence on Liverpool supported by the stats

After a quiet start, the 22-year-old has now contributed six goals and eight assists across all competitions.

Since their arrivals last summer, Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike have developed a strong partnership, with the pair combining for six goals so far this season – more than any other duo in the squad.

It’s the most by any duo in a single campaign when both players are aged 23 or under, matching the record set by Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen back in 2002/03.

With Wirtz returning from injury off the bench against Wolves, there’s every chance he and Ekitike will set a new club record before long.