Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has a major selection decision to make following the Reds’ impressive 3–1 victory over Crystal Palace, with Florian Wirtz delivering a performance that has strengthened his case for a regular starting position.
The German international was one of Liverpool’s most influential attacking players at Selhurst Park, scoring a superb goal and helping create Alexander Isak’s late strike.
After a difficult week that saw Liverpool lose against Arsenal and Fenerbahçe, the victory was exactly the response Iraola needed.
But beyond the three points, Wirtz’s performance provided another reminder of why Liverpool need his creativity in their starting lineup.
WIRTZ DELIVERS WHEN LIVERPOOL NEED HIM MOST
Liverpool entered the Crystal Palace match under pressure to get their season back on track.
Iraola made five changes to his starting lineup, bringing back several important players, including Wirtz, Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak.
The Reds started positively but had to remain alert as Palace threatened on several occasions.
Alexis Mac Allister eventually broke the deadlock in the 40th minute, heading home a dangerous Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick.
Liverpool went into the interval with a deserved advantage, but the second goal was always going to be important.
And Wirtz delivered.
THE GOAL THAT CHANGED THE GAME
Nine minutes into the second half, Bradley Barcola accelerated down the right flank before delivering an excellent ball into the penalty area.
Wirtz had anticipated the movement perfectly.
The German arrived at the right moment and calmly finished first time to make it 2–0.
It was an excellent demonstration of his movement, awareness and ability to find dangerous positions inside the opposition penalty area.
More importantly, it gave Liverpool the breathing space they needed to control the match.
Wirtz was not finished, either.
In the 89th minute, he contributed to the counterattack that allowed Alexander Isak to round Dean Henderson and score Liverpool’s third goal.
Eddie Nketiah later converted a stoppage-time penalty, but Liverpool had already secured the victory.
WHY IRAOLA NEEDS TO KEEP WIRTZ IN HIS STRONGEST TEAM
Liverpool have several talented attacking players, but Wirtz offers something particularly valuable.
He can operate between the lines, receive possession under pressure and create opportunities with passes that split opposition defences.
His movement also makes it difficult for defenders to predict where he will appear next.
Against Crystal Palace, those qualities were visible throughout the match.
When Liverpool needed creativity, Wirtz provided it. When they needed another attacking threat, he found the space to score.
That is precisely the type of contribution Iraola will want to see regularly.
The manager must also consider the importance of building chemistry between Wirtz, Isak, Barcola and Gakpo.
These players have different strengths, but their qualities could complement one another if Liverpool develop the right attacking combinations.
THE MESSAGE TO THE REST OF THE SQUAD
One of the biggest challenges facing Iraola is making sure every player understands that starting positions must be earned through performances.
Liverpool have a competitive squad, and no individual should assume that previous achievements automatically guarantee a place in the team.
Wirtz has made his argument on the pitch.
His goal against Palace demonstrated his attacking instincts, while his contribution to Isak’s strike showed his ability to influence matches beyond simply scoring.
Other attacking players will need to respond with equally convincing performances if they want to challenge him for a regular starting position.
Competition for places can only benefit Liverpool if it pushes everyone to improve.
LIVERPOOL HAVE A BIG OPPORTUNITY AHEAD
The 3–1 victory moves Liverpool into the international break with renewed confidence.
Mac Allister, Wirtz and Isak all found the net, while Alisson Becker produced several important saves to protect the team’s advantage.
There is still plenty for Iraola to improve, particularly in defensive organisation, but the attacking performance offered encouraging signs.
Liverpool’s next major challenge will be maintaining that level of performance when Manchester United visit Anfield on November 22.
Wirtz will undoubtedly be among the players supporters want to see involved.
If he continues producing performances like the one against Crystal Palace, making room for him in the starting eleven will become an increasingly straightforward decision.