Wirtz breakthrough fails to solve Liverpool’s deeper problems

January 20, 2026 Oliver Obel

Florian Wirtz finally has his first Premier League goal for Liverpool, but the milestone did little to mask the team’s ongoing inability to turn quality into consistent results.

The 1–1 draw at Anfield against second-bottom Burnley again underlined a familiar pattern: flashes of individual brilliance followed by a lack of control when it mattered most.

A long-awaited moment

According to BILD, Wirtz had been edging closer to a breakthrough in recent weeks, increasingly taking responsibility in Liverpool’s attacking play. That progress was rewarded shortly before half-time.

Hugo Ekitiké drove into the penalty area from the flank and was denied by Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, BILD reported. The loose ball fell to Curtis Jones, who set up Wirtz at the edge of the box. The German midfielder struck decisively, sending a powerful shot into the top corner beyond Dubravka’s reach.

The goal carried added significance. BILD noted that Wirtz, who joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal reported to be worth around €140 million, had gone 1,585 competitive minutes without scoring for the club. He has now found the net four times in his last six appearances, suggesting his adaptation period may finally be ending.

Control still missing

Liverpool’s advantage, however, did not last. Burnley equalised in the 65th minute when Marcus Edwards broke down the left flank and was played through at the right moment by Florentino, according to BILD. Edwards’ low finish caught Alisson off guard and rolled into the far corner.

Liverpool believed they had reclaimed the lead later on when Ekitiké converted from a corner, but the goal was disallowed following an offside decision and a handball earlier in the move.

Warning signs remain

As BILD observed, dropping points at home to one of the league’s weakest sides will raise further questions about Liverpool’s consistency. Wirtz’s growing influence offers encouragement, yet the team continue to struggle to translate dominance into decisive results.

Until that changes, individual milestones are likely to feel more like footnotes than turning points.

Sources: BILD, EPA