'Have to work on': Van Dijk claims there's one thing Florian Wirtz can do better despite first Liverpool goal
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Florian Wirtz will be the most relieved man on Merseyside on Saturday evening after finally grabbing his first goal for Liverpool.Much more has been expected of the £100m man after his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen, but tangible results have been a long time in waiting.But after setting up Alexander Isak at Tottenham last weekend, Wirtz finally scored in the Premier League with what turned out to be the winning goal against Wolves.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say The goal was the icing on the cake of a very good performance from the German, who finally looks like he’s getting to grips with life at Liverpool.Despite a positive Christmas week for him, though, captain Virgil van Dijk has pointed out that Wirtz really still needs to improve on being able to last a full 90 minutes for the Reds.Virgil van Dijk wants a fitter Florian WirtzPerhaps the biggest reason for Wirtz’s slow adaptation to life in the Premier League has been the time it has taken him to get up to speed physically.While he has clearly improved this aspect of his game – and continues to do so – Van Dijk believes the 22-year-old can do more to ensure he is fit and firing for a full 90 minutes, game after game.Photo by Carl Recine/Getty ImagesREAD MORE: Did Federico Chiesa justify clamour for Liverpool start?
Assessing much-loved Italian’s display v Wolves“He’s getting more used to the intensity and the way we play,” the Dutchman told LFCTV after the win over Wolves.“He’s very important on the ball and obviously his qualities there is no debate about. “I think after 60 minutes or something he was quite tired so that’s something he and we have to work on as well in order to do that every three days for 90 minutes.” Do you agree with our player ratings vs Wolves?
Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say Wirtz not alone in fitness strugglesVan Dijk is right to point out that Wirtz can be doing better in terms of being effective throughout full matches.Though he was excellent on Saturday he did also visibly tire during the second-half. You can pick five or six players every week who look like they are done after an hour.That was exactly the same against Wolves, when Liverpool appeared out on their feet as they tried to cling onto three points.The win was one which Wirtz’s goal ultimately gave them, and while his goal should be celebrated with gusto on Saturday evening, the work continues to get the No.