Wirtz delivers but remains Liverpool’s conundrum

Liverpool beat Brentford after falling behind, with Florian Wirtz helping spark the comeback and showing the creative ability that led the club to pay a reported £116m for him. His performance answered some criticism, but it also renewed debate over whether his role as a number 10 leaves Liverpool’s midfield too exposed.

Wirtz created nine chances from open play, the most by any player in a Premier League match in more than six seasons, and assisted in a second consecutive game across all competitions. He has created 18 chances in the league this season, level with Brighton’s Pascal Gross, but lost possession 19 times and won only one of nine duels against Brentford. Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy argued the team may need three central midfielders to improve its shape and defensive stability.