Florian Wirtz‘s return to the side coincided with a much-needed win for Liverpool, with the German producing a standout display in Sunday’s 2-0 win over West Ham.

After a two-game absence with injury, Wirtz was restored to the starting lineup for a must-win clash in the Premier League.

With question marks over Arne Slot‘s job and Liverpool on a run of nine defeats in 12, the No. 7’s poise and tempo-dictating play was crucial to a 2-0 victory in east London.

His performance was the focus as many supporters took to social media and This Is Anfield’s comments after a crucial victory.

“Wirtz for Salah was the headline. And giving him more of a floating 10 role, with the equally good Gravenberch dovetailing the right when he drifted, worked superbly.

“He was all over the pitch and did some excellent work from the inside left half-space role he so shone in at Leverkusen.”

– KloppitE in the comments.

“Welcome win!!!

“Wirtz would be wonderful to see once he gets a long run of games and better understanding with others.”

– Klopp or nothing in the comments.

Slot’s decision to bench Mohamed Salah and turn to Wirtz in the No. 10 role with Dominik Szoboszlai on the right proved influential as Liverpool found more of a structure.

That had a lot to do with the ability of his man in the middle, with Wirtz able to drift into pockets of space, collect passes on the turn and thread balls through for his forwards.

He played a big part in Alexander Isak‘s opener, and though the Swede is far from his best and clearly still not fully fit, their relationship will be key moving forward.

The hope is that not only can Wirtz be fit to start again on Wednesday night against Sunderland – having been brought off on 75 minutes on Sunday – but that he can build on this with another strong display at Anfield.