Liverpool supporters had plenty of reasons to celebrate after their side secured a valuable 3–1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, but one attacking performance stood out above the rest.
Florian Wirtz delivered another reminder of why Liverpool invested so heavily in his talent. The German international scored, created opportunities and played a decisive role in Alexander Isak’s late goal as Liverpool finally returned to winning ways.
And with club legend Kenny Dalglish being linked to glowing praise for the performance, attention has turned towards the attacking midfielder and what he could become at Anfield.
WIRTZ SHOWS HIS QUALITY WHEN LIVERPOOL NEED HIM MOST
Liverpool arrived at Selhurst Park needing a response after consecutive defeats against Arsenal and Fenerbahçe. The pressure was building, and Andoni Iraola needed his players to demonstrate character.
The opening stages were not entirely comfortable. Crystal Palace threatened through Yeremy Pino, who struck the crossbar, while Alisson Becker produced important saves to prevent the hosts from taking control.
Liverpool eventually found their breakthrough through Alexis Mac Allister, who headed home Dominik Szoboszlai’s free-kick in the 40th minute.
However, it was after the interval that Wirtz began to make an even greater impact.
The German international doubled Liverpool’s advantage in the 54th minute, finishing Bradley Barcola’s low cross with excellent composure.
It was an important moment for a player who has been working to establish himself as one of the leading attacking figures in this Liverpool side.
THE MOMENT THAT MADE THE DIFFERENCE
Wirtz’s contribution did not end with his goal.
His movement between the lines, ability to find pockets of space and willingness to take responsibility in possession gave Liverpool another dimension in attack.
Crystal Palace struggled to consistently contain his influence, particularly when Liverpool moved the ball quickly through the middle and into dangerous areas.
His contribution became even more important late in the match when he helped create the opportunity for Alexander Isak to score Liverpool’s third goal.
Isak finished a counterattack in the closing stages, giving Liverpool what appeared to be a comfortable three-goal advantage.
Eddie Nketiah subsequently converted a stoppage-time penalty for Palace, but it was too late to change the outcome.
Liverpool had secured all three points.
WHY WIRTZ COULD BECOME A KEY FIGURE UNDER IRAOLA
One of the biggest positives from the victory was the understanding developing between Liverpool’s attacking players.
Wirtz offers something different from a traditional attacking midfielder. He can receive possession under pressure, turn quickly, carry the ball into dangerous positions and create opportunities for teammates.
Those qualities could become particularly important as Liverpool look to build consistency in the coming weeks.
His combination with Barcola also provided encouragement. Barcola supplied the cross for Wirtz’s goal, while Wirtz later played a role in Isak’s decisive contribution.
For Iraola, having multiple attacking players capable of creating and finishing chances is essential.
Liverpool cannot depend on one individual to produce everything. They need Wirtz, Isak, Gakpo and Barcola to contribute consistently if they are to challenge the strongest teams.
A BIG RESULT FOR LIVERPOOL AFTER A DIFFICULT WEEK
The victory was about more than three points.
Liverpool had suffered two consecutive defeats and needed a performance that could restore confidence before the international break.
Mac Allister provided the breakthrough, Wirtz delivered the decisive second goal, and Isak finished the counterattack that appeared to settle the contest.
Alisson also deserves enormous credit for several important interventions that kept Palace from getting back into the match earlier.
There were still defensive moments that Iraola will want to review, particularly the late penalty conceded by Milos Kerkez.
Nevertheless, the overall result gives Liverpool something positive to build on.
And if Wirtz continues producing performances of this quality, the German could become one of the most influential players in Iraola’s attacking system.
For Liverpool supporters, the most exciting part is that there may still be much more to come from him.