Florian Wirtz numbers do not tell full Liverpool story as Arne Slot relieved

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Liverpool Echo IconSportFootballLiverpool FCIan Doyle with his on-the-whistle analysis after Florian Wirtz's intervention helped Liverpool to earn a 1-1 draw with Sunderland at AnfieldIt would be pushing matters to suggest this represents lift-off for Florian Wirtz at Liverpool. But in a week when the scrutiny has been intense on the faltering Premier League champions, the Germany international is now demonstrating signs of why the Reds have invested so much in him spearheading the future.Following a man-of-the-match display in Sunday’s win at West Ham United, here Wirtz dragged Liverpool by the scruff of the neck to avoid what would have been a third successive damaging home defeat.Sure, there was a touch of luck as his 81st-minute shot deflected in off the heel of Nordi Mukiele to equalise a similarly fortunate opener from Chemsdine Talbi midway through the second half.READ MORE: Florian Wirtz denied first Liverpool goal as statement released after Sunderland equaliserWirtz, though, had merited that rub of the green for the clever feet that saw him dance beyond two defenders when accepting a pass inside the penalty area from substitute Curtis Jones.Certainly, there can be no questioning the attitude and aptitude of the 22-year-old, who embraced his responsibilities whether in his starting number 10 role or the left flank to which he was switched for the second half.Tellingly, though, it was when in a central area that Wirtz again did the greatest damage.While it has taken time for him to adapt to the physicality of the Premier League – there have been no question marks over that in the last two outings – Wirtz couldn’t have expected to come into a Liverpool team that, almost four months into the season, continues to flounder for consistency.If another morale-boosting contribution for the player, it was also hugely timely for Reds boss Arne Slot.Another loss, particularly at Anfield after the recent horrors against Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven, would have increased the speculation surrounding his tenure.Instead, this was the first time this season Liverpool have avoided defeat in the Premier League having fallen behind, and remarkably their first top-flight draw since May.With the equaliser eventually being determined a Mukiele own goal, Wirtz is still waiting to break his duck since his £116million arrival from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer.

Sometimes, though, the numbers don’t tell the full story.Ian DoyleIan Doyle has covered Liverpool for more than 25 years, following them across Europe in multiple Champions League and Europa League finals and as far afield as Thailand, Singapore, the United States, Hong Kong and Qatar, and has reported on the Reds winning every major honour. He previously also covered Everton for 18 years and has followed England, reporting on the European Championships and World Cup final.

Once had to tell Jude Law he does not drive a Mini.