Danny Murphy notices big change in Florian Wirtz as Liverpool reaps rewards

Liverpool attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz was an impressive performer once again as the Reds faced Sunderland, taking a big step forward in the race for the Champions League

Florian Wirtz during the Premier League game between Sunderland and Liverpool.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Liverpool's vital win over Sunderland was built on a platform constructed by the excellent Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk at the back, with Florian Wirtz adding some sparkle in the final third.

In the first half especially, Wirtz was the creative hub around which almost every Liverpool attack was built. He hit the post with one clever effort at goal, and it was evident that his teammates were looking for him at every opportunity.

"Wirtz pulled the strings again," Danny Murphy said on Match of the Day. "He carried on his good form. He is getting in better positions higher up the pitch.

"He looks fitter and stronger the last few months. His performances are much more consistent, where Arne Slot doesn't need to bring him off.

"He doesn't mind if it doesn't come off. He is brave and keeps trying things. His defensive work has improved too. He was terrific."

Behind the scenes, Wirtz has been working hard to improve his physique and adapt to the Premier League. There were occasions where he was knocked off the ball here, but the German was generally very impressive again.

Florian Wirtz in action for Liverpool against Sunderland(Image: (Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images))

"Not for the first time, he was really good," Arne Slot said in his post-match press conference. "But recently when he was really good he was also involved in goals and assists.

"I think today he was very close and maybe should have been on the scoreboard with the amount of quality he has.

"But it's good to see, not only him but also other players developing so well and playing another good game of football.

"We had such a big disappointment against Manchester City, where we played so well [in the] second half. We deserved so much more than we got.

"Another time, another goal conceded in extra time and another penalty conceded. So then to bounce back as we did today is a big compliment and a lot of credit to the players."

Liverpool.com says: Wirtz has always been very technically gifted and it was always obvious that he would come good in England. The issue was his adaptation taking a bit of time.

Now he looks more up to speed, he feels much more capable of playing three lots of 90 minutes in a week. Wirtz's quality was always there and his efforts away from the pitch are starting to pay off.