Wirtz runs the show as Liverpool hit back to win at Brentford

Liverpool are winning again. Florian Wirtz ran the game as Liverpool came from behind to beat Brentford 2-1 at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday.

It was the perfect response. Liverpool had suffered their first league defeat of the season against Manchester City. They answered with two goals after the break against Brentford, who had been reduced to 10 men before half-time, according to BBC.

Wirtz was the difference. The 23-year-old German playmaker, signed from Bayer Leverkusen for a club-record £116m in June 2025, created nine chances from open play. That is a pass that leads directly to a shot.

No player has created more in a Premier League match for six seasons. The last to reach nine was Sadio Mane for Liverpool against Burnley in January 2021. Wirtz is also the first player to do it away from home in more than 15 years, since Samir Nasri made 10 for Manchester City at Tottenham in August 2011.

That form is building. Wirtz set up Munoz at Brentford, days after an attacking return in the Champions League on Wednesday evening. It means he has assisted in back-to-back games for Liverpool across all competitions for the first time. He now sits level with Brighton's Pascal Gross on 18 chances created, the most in the Premier League this season.

The numbers underneath were just as loud. Wirtz led everyone on the pitch with 12 entries into the final third, the attacking area near goal, and 37 passes played in that zone. Liverpool registered 14 of their 21 shots after half-time, turning pressure into points in a 2-1 win confirmed by Liverpool FC.

It has not all clicked yet. This was only his second goal involvement in seven league games this season. He lost possession 19 times at Brentford and won just one of his nine duels, one-on-one battles for the ball.

What makes this stand out is the timing. Wirtz arrived with a huge fee and huge expectation after an underwhelming first campaign. Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola said this week he has 100% trust in him. Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard had suggested a spell out of the team could help his confidence, while BBC pundit Danny Murphy argued a midfield with Wirtz at number 10, the central playmaker behind the strikers, leaves Liverpool too open.

On Saturday, Wirtz gave his answer. Quick feet. Sharp passes. Nine chances. Liverpool left west London with the win they needed.