LIVERPOOL STAR FLORIAN WIRTZ TALKS FUTURE POTENTIAL AFTER IMPRESSIVE FRANKFURT DISPLAY
Florian Wirtz believes he can offer "much, much more" for Liverpool after his two assists in the 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt ended a personal goal contribution drought and his team's losing streak.
Florian Wirtz, centre right, challenges for the ball during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Eintracht Frankfurt and Liverpool in Frankfurt, Germany, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)
After his two assists helped Liverpool halt their four-game losing streak with a 5-1 thumping of Eintracht Frankfurt, Florian Wirtz feels he can contribute "much, much more" for the squad.
Given that his transfer from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool cost up to 116 million pounds ($155 million), Wirtz's lack of goals and assists since joining the club has drawn criticism.
He provided Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai with goals during Wednesday's Champions League match against Frankfurt, and he was well-positioned to score in the 90th minute when Mohamed Salah chose to shoot rather than pass.
Wirtz remarked, "It was difficult for me to get into nice spaces in the first half, and I was unfortunate to lose the ball before we surrendered, but overall it was okay."
"I am aware that I am capable of much more. I am happy that we won tonight and that I am finally contributing to a goal since I thought the second half was excellent, as did everyone else.
During a counterattack in the 66th minute, Wirtz set up Gakpo for Liverpool's fourth goal. Four minutes later, he passed for Szoboszlai to add the fifth goal with a low effort from the edge of the penalty area.
Up to that point, Wirtz had not assisted or scored for Liverpool in the Premier League or Champions League. Since joining the team, he has only contributed to one goal once, in his Community Shield debut against Crystal Palace.
Before beginning, Liverpool manager Arne Slot stated that Wirtz's contribution was not fully represented by those figures.
"In football, players are constantly evaluated based on their goals and assists. Additionally, Slot told DAZN, "He has been extremely unlucky because he might have had three, four, five, or six assists."
"Even in the most recent game (against Manchester United), he may have contributed the most crucial component of the goal, but it was neither an assist nor a goal. Alternatively, you may refer to it as the pre-assist. Florian has started well at Liverpool, but if you only consider goals and assists, you may come to a different conclusion. But I do not think so."
DISCIPLINARY BLOW: MADRID PLAYER SUSPENDED POST EL CLáSICO TUSSLE
Real Madrid's backup keeper Andriy Lunin has been handed a one-game suspension by the RFEF for his aggressive conduct on the bench during the heated final moments of El Clásico. Real Madrid's appeal was rejected.
El Clásico Scuffle - Photo Credit Getty Images
Los Blancos' goalie Andriy Lunin has been suspended for one game by the RFEF Disciplinary Committee for his involvement in the sideline dramas during the El Clásico's final moments. Although the cameras did not catch it, referee Soto Grado did record that he had sent the Ukrainian off.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the RFEF responded as follows when asked why Lunin received a red card.
The reason for Lunin, Andrii's expulsion in the 90th minute was that he had to be restrained by his teammates after he walked aggressively from his bench to the blonde bench.
The disciplinary committee of the RFEF
"When considered significant, those whose behaviour violates sporting order will be suspended for four to ten games or fined between 602 and 3,006 euros."
Because of Lunin's actions, which constituted a minor violation of the sporting order, he was suspended for one game. The ruling had been challenged by Real Madrid. However, the RFEF stayed steadfast, defending the referee's ruling and the evidence in the match report and on film.
Now, the backup goalie will not play against Valencia this weekend, where he is probably going to be benched. Fran Gonzalez and Sunico, both from the youth team, might be called up as the matchday squad's third choice, with Sergio Mestre serving as a backup.
No Barcelona players or any other Real Madrid players were slapped with bans following the two flash moments in the closing stages of the game. When Vinicius Jr. and Lamie Yamal argued, even players who were not on the team were spotted shoving on the side of the field. The RFEF, however, determined that nothing that came to pass would justify further prohibitions.
ARSENAL STAR DROPS CONFIDENT TITLE HINT AFTER STRONG OPENING
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is targeting a historic Premier League and World Cup double with England this season. The winger believes it's a "doable" feat as the Gunners lead the title race.
Bukayo Saka - (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC)
According to Bukayo Saka, it is feasible for Arsenal and England to win both games this season. The season has started well for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta's leadership.
Arsenal leads the Premier League standings by four points at the moment and is starting to look like a title contender. Manchester City is only one point ahead of defending champions Liverpool, who are seven points behind.
Saka, however, is not only interested in winning at his club; he also hopes to succeed internationally. Manager Thomas Tuchel has stated that winning the trophy is his ambition for England, who have qualified for the World Cup in the USA next year.
Saka is optimistic about his club's and his nation's chances of winning. "Yeah, that is my prayer," he remarked in an interview with Sky Sports. It is possible, of course.