Following his Man of the Match performance against West Ham on Sunday, Florian Wirtz is determined to continue his impactful play when Liverpool hosts newly promoted Sunderland at Anfield this Wednesday (December 3, 2025).
While Wirtz’s direct attacking output against West Ham was modest—just one shot and one chance created—his contribution was defined by his intelligent movement.
His ability to float between the lines and pick out teammates with crisp passes was crucial in helping Liverpool break a three-game losing streak with a 2-0 win.
Wirtz commented on his role: “I was playing more as a No. 10, I had the freedom to go to free spaces and create an overload. I tried to just make the possession better, tried to create chances. I’m happy that I made a good game and could help the team to win. Everything else [in terms of goals and assists] will come soon.”
Wirtz’s Pass Map vs West Ham
The Key Selection Question: No. 10 Role
The main question for the Sunderland fixture is whether Wirtz will retain his central playmaking role.
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Mohamed Salah’s Imminent Return: With Salah having been rested on Sunday, it is highly anticipated he will start against the Black Cats, especially since his departure for the Africa Cup of Nations is looming.
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Salah’s Record vs. Promoted Teams: This fixture is one Salah typically thrives in; he has scored eight goals in his last seven Premier League appearances against newly promoted sides. Although Sunderland is one of the few teams he has faced without scoring against (a single appearance for Chelsea in 2014), his overall record makes him indispensable in this type of match.
Divock breaks the deadlock 🔐 Milner seals the points 🎯
A 2-0 win in our last Premier League encounter against Sunderland at Anfield 👊 #LIVSUN pic.twitter.com/KlXabBcMvL
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 2, 2025
The inclusion of Salah means Wirtz will likely face competition for his starting position, particularly from Dominik Szoboszlai.
Szoboszlai played in a wider role (right-midfield/right-wing) against West Ham in Salah’s absence, and with Slot keen to manage Wirtz’s minutes across a busy schedule, a rotation or tactical shift is expected.
Wirtz will have to compete directly with Szoboszlai for the No. 10 spot, or one of them may be deployed elsewhere in the attacking midfield line as Slot looks to use his refreshed squad to dismantle Sunderland’s expected deep defensive block.
Liverpool have won their last 12 home league matches against newly promoted clubs, and Wirtz will be eager to contribute to extending that run.
