'I'd love to play with him': Steven Gerrard on 'world class' Liverpool star

Liverpool showed a marked improvement from their loss to Manchester City when they travelled to Sunderland on Wednesday night.

After receiving criticism for sitting back to defend against Pep Guardiola’s side, the Reds played a much more attacking game against Sunderland.

The increased focus on the attack didn’t stop Arne Slot’s side from delivering a solid defensive performance, and the Dutchman was left with little to complain about after the match in terms of performance.

With Chelsea and Manchester United both dropping points on Tuesday, Liverpool’s win in the North East is huge in their battle for a top four finish.

‘Immaculate’ Florian Wirtz impresses once again

As has often been the case at Liverpool in recent months, Florian Wirtz was the star of the show for Slot’s side.

The German has come into his own recently despite the Reds struggling to find form as a team.

Although Wirtz didn’t find the back of the net on this occasion, he was by far Liverpool’s most dangerous attacking threat.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Wirtz played down his performance, but the 22-year-old had the most attempts, most shots on target, most touches and most passes in the final third for the Reds.

“Every good game gives you confidence, when you get the ball and you can do special things, it is always good to have these games,” Wirtz said after the match.

A Liverpool legend noticed Wirtz’s impact on the match too, with Steven Gerrard full of praise for the attacker at full-time.

“[Wirtz’s] technical level, it is world class. He’s got the world at his feet and he’s so exciting to watch, in tight areas his first touch is immaculate, his awareness is superb,” Gerrard told TNT Sports.

“I always watch players and think to myself: would I like to play with him? As a player, I would have loved to play with him. He’s always in space, he’s so clever in terms of where he receives the ball.”

Gerrard’s review was glowing, and Liverpool supporters will be keen to see how Wirtz can continue to develop and just how big an impact the German can have on the Reds’ run-in as they hunt a place in the top four.

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