Virgil van Dijk reveals Liverpool locker room reaction to Florian Wirtz goal - 'More important'

• Liverpool FC News
• Features
• Liverpool FC

Florian Wirtz finally ended his long wait for a Liverpool goal in the 2-1 win over Wolves, with Virgil van Dijk outlining what the German international's next challenge is now

Florian Wirtz celebrates with his Liverpool teammates after scoring against Wolves(Image: Getty Images)

Virgil van Dijk has hailed Florian Wirtz’s growing impact on Liverpool after the German international ended his long wait for a goal for his new club.

Having been denied one earlier in the month against Sunderland, there was no doubt about Wirtz’s latest strike as he grabbed what turned out to be the winner in the Reds’ 2-1 win over Wolves on Saturday.

After a slow start to life at Anfield following his record-breaking move from Bayer Leverkusen, Wirtz has seen his influence grow in recent weeks, having also recorded his first league assist in the recent win over Tottenham.

The German international has been earning rave reviews for his performance at the weekend, and Van Dijk hopes it will be just the start of things to come from him.

"I was very happy for him," Van Dijk told reporters after the win over Wolves. "He played a very good game. Everyone was outstanding in the first half. It's great to see and hopefully many more to come from him.

"I think he runs almost everywhere. At times on the left, at times in the middle. He's a very intelligent player who is so comfortable on the ball. He finds space between the lines and can be very important.

Virgil van Dijk has hailed Florian Wirtz's impact at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

"He's getting used to playing for Liverpool and what we want to do as a team. He's getting used to the intensity.

“After about 70 minutes I think he had some cramp. It's part of the game. He just has to keep going. It was an important goal for us and now on to New Year's Day (against Leeds United at Anfield).

"He wants to be important in terms of goals and assists. The work-rate he puts in and the chances he creates is what I think is even more important. I am really pleased for him, like the rest of the team. You saw the celebrations. Everyone is so happy for him."

Having finally got his tally up and running for Liverpool, Wirtz will be aiming to kick on in 2026 as the Reds look to secure their spot in the top four of the Premier League, having now moved ahead of Chelsea in the table.

"It was very nice the feeling on the pitch with the fans around. I was very happy and I still am," Wirtz said as he reflected on his first Liverpool goal.

"I was confident that I would score one day. I wanted to start earlier scoring and assisting but it was like this and I have to accept it. I just know that it will come and I try to keep going like that."