Why Liverpool stumble without Florian Wirtz — Jermaine Pennant explains

Anfield’s early-season scepticism about Florian Wirtz has evaporated. The 22-year-old, criticised for a barren start in front of goal, has evolved into the connective tissue of Arne Slot’s side, and Jermaine Pennant believes the team’s recent identity crisis is directly tied to the German’s absence.

Speaking on the back of Liverpool’s disjointed displays, Pennant told Jermaine Jenas: “We see when he’s not playing how Liverpool literally just look dead. He is the spark in that team. He does connect the midfield to the front line. He’s just good on the ball.”

The numbers now back the eye-test. After registering neither a goal nor an assist in his opening weeks, Wirtz has since contributed six goals and eight assists across all competitions. His telepathic link-up with fellow summer arrival Hugo Ekitike has yielded six combined goals, the most prolific under-23 partnership in a single campaign since Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen in 2002-03.

With Wirtz returning from injury as a second-half substitute against Wolves, anticipation is building that the duo will set a new club benchmark in the coming weeks. Pennant, asked what he would do if handed the reins at Anfield, singled out Wirtz as the player to build around, underscoring how indispensable the attacking midfielder has become to Liverpool’s rhythm between the lines.