‘He’s oozing class’ – Steven Gerrard in love with Liverpool star’s display after demolition job vs Qarabag
Liverpool secured a top-eight place in the Champions League in style on Wednesday as they overcame Qarabag 6-0.
While Arne Slot’s side may be out of form in the Premier League, they regained some confidence at Anfield as they trashed Qarabag.
Plenty of the Reds’ players were excellent, with Alexis Mac Allister netting a brace, while Florian Wirtz, Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike and Federico Chiesa all got one.
However, Gerrard was quick to pick out Wirtz, who has started to show signs that he can be a top player at Merseyside after a tricky start to life in England.
No Premier League player has registered more goal contributions across all competitions than Florian Wirtz (7) since December 20th 👀 pic.twitter.com/CPv0liBk3N
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 28, 2026
Steven Gerrard: Florian Wirtz has improved physically
Wirtz was no doubt poor at the start of his Liverpool career.
The attacking midfielder heavily struggled at Anfield and showed every sign that he was going to be a very expensive flop.
However, in recent weeks, Wirtz has improved for Liverpool, and he once again showed his quality against Qarabag on Wednesday.
Florian Wirtz bags his first Liverpool goal in the Champions League 🙌
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 28, 2026
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/PznRdtrQvu
This is something that Gerrard was quick to pick up on, and highlighted how much his physicality has improved on TNT Sports.
He said: “He’s looking even bigger, stronger and more powerful now. He’s handling the duels and the physical side a lot better now, and he’s getting more comfortable and more confident.
“His first goal and his first few assists have made him really grow, you can see him oozing class and confidence now. I was never worried about the talent, it was just a matter of time.”
How good was Wirtz vs Qarabag?
According to Fotmob on 28 January, Wirtz was excellent against Qarabag.
The attacking midfielder truly came to life, producing four shots, creating two chances, completing 81 per cent of his passes on top of getting his goal.
This was all completed in just 67 minutes, as the Reds easily brushed past the Azerbaijani side.
| Florian Wirtz’s stats vs Qarabag | |
| Minutes | 67 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Shots | 4 |
| Chances created | 2 |
| Passing completion | 81% |
Now, the task for the Germany international is to ensure he can translate this form into the Premier League on a more regular basis.
Qualifying for the Champions League is no doubt the aim for Slot’s side this season after falling out of the title race.
As it stands, this does not look certain, with the Reds falling to sixth after their defeat to Bournemouth on the weekend.
However, if Wirtz can replicate this display going forward, qualifying for the Champions League shouldn’t be a problem going into the second half of the season.
Hopefully, the game aganst Qarabag was a sign of things to come rather than a one of performance against a poor side.