Anfield hasn’t shaken like this for a long time. Liverpool F.C. delivered a ruthless 4-0 demolition of Galatasaray S.K. (4-1 on aggregate), and one familiar face couldn’t hide his excitement. Watching from the stands and studio, club icon Steven Gerrard was seen jumping to his feet, applauding what he called a performance that embodied “pure Liverpool.”
Although Mohamed Salah grabbed headlines with his 50th Champions League goal, Gerrard admitted it was the “fearless and sharp” showing from a recent signing that truly stunned him.
“From where I was sitting, his performance was absolutely top-notch,” Gerrard told TNT Sports. “I got so carried away I didn’t even realise when I stood up clapping. He was all over the pitch!”
Wirtz Steals the Spotlight
While Dominik Szoboszlai fired in the opener, it was Florian Wirtz who earned Gerrard’s highest praise. The German playmaker—now central to Arne Slot’s system—ran the midfield and set up Salah’s historic goal with a brilliant one-two.
Gerrard, no stranger to controlling games at Anfield, said Wirtz’s vision and anticipation have filled a gap the team had been missing.
“He deserves all the praise coming his way,” he added. “To play with that composure on a big European night—it reminded me of the very best.”
Big Performances All Round
It wasn’t a one-man show. Hugo Ekitike made his mark with a confident finish for the second, while Ryan Gravenberch added a third to end any hopes of a comeback.
Still, the night ultimately belonged to Salah. After missing an early penalty, he responded in style with a trademark curling strike into the top corner. Despite a late injury scare that forced him off for Cody Gakpo, he left the pitch to a thunderous ovation—with Gerrard among those leading the applause.
Fans Buzzing Over Wirtz
Supporters are already calling Wirtz the new hero of the Kop, especially after Gerrard’s glowing endorsement. Many believe that if the Liverpool legend rates him that highly, he could be the next midfield talisman at Anfield.
Next Challenge: PSG
With the emphatic win, Liverpool have secured a place in the Champions League quarter-finals, where a huge test awaits against Paris Saint-Germain. With the stakes rising and momentum building, the upcoming clash promises to be a blockbuster.
