Slot Backs Wirtz to “Score Many More” After £100m Signing Breaks Liverpool Duck

German midfielder nets first goal for club in 2-1 win over Wolves, with manager praising his growing influence beyond statistics.

LIVERPOOL — Liverpool manager Arne Slot backed record signing Florian Wirtz to kick on after the German midfielder scored his first goal for the club in Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Wirtz, 22, arrived at Anfield in June for a reported £100 million, with add-ons potentially taking the fee to £116 million. He had gone more than 20 appearances without scoring before breaking the deadlock against Wolves at Molineux, prompting an emotional celebration with teammates.

“I’m quite sure it was a relief for him,” Slot said in his post-match press conference. “You could see it in his reaction — and the same with his teammates. They were really happy for him.”

Slot defended Wirtz’s earlier performances, which he felt had been overlooked due to football’s focus on goals and assists.

“Sometimes we tend to forget what else there is to do during a game,” the Dutch coach added. “He’s had multiple good games for us, but I also feel he gets better and fitter every single game. It was no surprise he scored today, but he knows one goal is not enough. He will score many more for us.”

Wirtz’s winner helped Liverpool — currently fourth in the table — secure three points ahead of their New Year’s Day fixture against Leeds United at Anfield.