Florian Wirtz heaps praise on 'quality' Liverpool teammate he loves playing with

Florian Wirtz continued his promising form as Liverpool beat Newcastle United in the Premier League, with the Germany international's numbers starting to reflect his quality

Florian Wirtz celebrates after scoring for Liverpool against Newcastle United.(Image: Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)

Liverpool attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, who now has six goals and eight assists in all competitions since his $157 million (£116 million) move from Bayer Leverkusen, says it is a joy to play alongside Hugo Ekitike.

Both players were in fine form as the Reds beat Newcastle United by four goals to one on Saturday. Ekitike netted twice and Wirtz once as Liverpool's attack carried on where it left off against Qarabag in the Champions League.

"I think everyone saw again what quality he has and what a great player he is," Wirtz told BBC Match of the Day. "He is so fast and has a great finish — what a joy it is to play with him.

"I just enjoy the goals as long as I can help the team win games, I am happy. When you celebrate your own goal, it is always the best. I am just happy to play here in front of the fans."

After going a goal down, Liverpool managed to turn the game around in its favor, doing so to win for the first time this season despite the early setback of Anthony Gordon's smart finish.

"It was a good turnaround," Wirtz said. "I think when we went 1-0 down, we came together as a team to fight back; there isn't much better you can do.

Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool celebrates with Florian Wirtz after scoring his side's second goal during the Premier League match against Newcastle United at Anfield on January 31 2026(Image: Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)

"We had many good chances. I think sometimes the last pass was missing a bit, but it is always good to put pressure on Newcastle and keep them on their side. We are doing as a team really good."

The three points were big for Arne Slot, who has been under pressure to improve both performances and results in recent weeks.

In the Premier League, the race for the top four or five spots is hotting up, with Chelsea coming from two goals down to beat West Ham United just before the Reds kicked off at Anfield.

"I think we came here [against Newcastle] with confidence but also I think tonight is about team spirit," Ekitike said on TNT Sports. "We won 4-1. I scored two goals. Ibou scored and Flo scored.

"But it's the whole team if you see the work of Macca [Alexis Mac Allister] and Dom [Szoboszlai]. Everybody tonight was running everywhere.

"It's not about the one you see on the scoresheet or who scores goals. It's about the team tonight."

Liverpool.com says: Wirtz is just brilliant to watch, and the numbers are coming now. Anyone who doubted his quality has been swiftly proven wrong and there is much more to come too.