Steven Gerrard left in no doubt as Liverpool icon pays Florian Wirtz the ultimate compliment

Gerrard

Steven Gerrard revealed he would love to play alongside Florian Wirtz as he praised the Liverpool star for his performance against Sunderland.

The Reds started their summer business with a statement of intent by securing the services of the sought-after German from Bayer Leverkusen in a package worth a then-British record £116m.

Liverpool saw off competition from Manchester City and Bayern Munich for his signature.

However, Wirtz only showed brief glimpses of his talent in the opening weeks of the season.

But in the last few months, the Germany international has shown just why so many of Europe’s elite were chasing his signature during the summer.

although he didn’t score or claim an assist, Wirtz once again impressed as his side reignited their hopes of Champions League qualification with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Black Cats on Wednesday night.

Gerrard was full of praise for Wirtz, saying: “Game by game he is evolving and he is improving after a tough start. A big price tag and a lot of pressure – a big move for him.

“Owen (Hargreaves) will know in terms of the move to speak about that more than me, but in terms of this kid’s technical level it is world class.

“He has the world at his feet. He is so exciting to watch. In tight little areas his first touch, his awareness of what is around him is superb.

“He is always looking to create goals and try to get on the scoresheet. For me, I always watch players and think, 'Would I like to play with him?' and I would love to play with this kid.

“He’s always in space and he is so clever in terms of areas where to receive the ball. I just think he is so exciting for the Premier Leagueand delighted he is a Liverpool player

“His awareness and his give and goes. He is just on a wavelength, and he is streets ahead of the defensive play. His performance was immaculate.”

Hargreaves was in full agreement with Gerrard and believes Wirtz is currently Liverpool’s best player.

Hargreaves said: “He created a lot at the beginning of the season, but players didn’t take a lot of the chances; he could have four, five, six assists from earlier in the season.

“So that was unfortunate for him, but if you watch him, he is very humble and calm, he doesn't get too up or too down.

“Anyone that has managed him or played with him, Toni Kroos, Julian Nagelsmann, Xabi Alonso, they all think the world of him. I think right now he is Liverpool’s best player. Think about the great players they have out on the pitch.”

Promoted link

Ad - Keep warm on match days with the LFC hat 🔥. Great price. - https://amzn.to/4aeZmZUhttps://amzn.to/4aeZmZU