Newcomer Wirtz receives plentiful acclaim and applause at Anfield
Liverpool's New Star Shines in Pre-Season Friendly
Florian Wirtz, the highly-touted German prodigy, made a promising debut for Liverpool FC in a friendly match against Athletic Bilbao on August 4, 2025. The match, which ended in a 3-2 win for Liverpool, provided a platform for Wirtz to showcase his impressive skills and potential[1][2][4].
The Mirror and The Liverpool Echo have hailed Wirtz as the focal point of Liverpool's attack, with his link-up play, creativity, and vision captivating fans and pundits alike[1][2][4]. His connection with fellow new signing Hugo Ekitike was particularly noteworthy, contributing to a dynamic and threatening Liverpool attack.
Arne Slot, Liverpool's coach, praised Wirtz's performance, stating that his creativity in the final third was a standout feature[4]. Slot also emphasized that Liverpool needs to take the next step as their rivals aren't standing still[6].
Wirtz's transfer fee of around £130 million makes him the most expensive signing in Liverpool's history[5]. However, Wirtz himself has expressed that he does not feel pressured by the price tag, remaining focused on playing football and helping Liverpool retain the Premier League title[2].
Wirtz played the last 75 minutes of the friendly matches against Bilbao, displaying some promising offensive moves but not scoring[7]. Despite not finding the back of the net, his performance was enough to earn him applause and praise from Liverpool FC fans[8].
Before joining Liverpool, Wirtz played for the Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen[9]. His signing marked a significant coup for Liverpool, with notable competition like Bayern Munich reportedly beaten out for his signature[10].
Arne Slot is pleased with the summer reinforcements for Liverpool, with Wirtz being the marquee signing of the summer[11]. As the new season approaches, fans and pundits alike will be eager to see how Wirtz continues to develop and contribute to Liverpool's attack.
[1] The Mirror: "Florian Wirtz is the focal point of Liverpool's attack" [2] The Liverpool Echo: "Wirtz is already a real star" [3] Liverpool FC: "Wirtz looking forward to adapting to Premier League" [4] The Mirror: "Arne Slot praises Wirtz's creativity in the final third" [5] BBC Sport: "Liverpool break transfer record for Florian Wirtz" [6] The Liverpool Echo: "Slot stresses the need for Liverpool to take the next step" [7] The Athletic: "Wirtz fails to score in friendlies but impresses" [8] Liverpool FC: "Wirtz receives applause and praise from fans" [9] Bayer Leverkusen: "Florian Wirtz signs for Liverpool FC" [10] Sky Sports: "Liverpool beat Bayern Munich to sign Florian Wirtz" [11] The Telegraph: "Arne Slot pleased with Liverpool's summer reinforcements"
In the friendly match against Athletic Bilbao on August 4, 2025, Florian Wirtz showcased his skills in football, particularly his link-up play, creativity, and vision that have been hailed as the focal point of Liverpool's attack. As the most expensive signing in Liverpool's history, Wirtz will strive to help Liverpool retain the Premier League title.
