There was a moment shortly before Florian Wirtz scored his first goal for Liverpool which perfectly illustrated his growing assuredness with life in the Premier League.

As Alisson’s lofted clearance headed in his direction out on the left flank, the Germany international was under pressure as Matt Doherty raced across to close him down.

Calm and composed, Wirtz’s control was instant and then the footwork exquisite as he shifted the ball from right to left and skipped past the Wolverhampton Wanderers captain before darting down the touchline. Talk about working your way out of a tight spot. A capacity Anfield crowd purred in appreciation.

It’s not been an easy adaptation for Wirtz since his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen in a £116million ($157m at current rates) deal in June. Getting to grips with the pace and physicality of English football took time. Liverpool put him on a special gym programme to help him bulk up and handle the greater intensity.

The price tag and the fact that Liverpool had beaten off competition from Bayern Munich and Manchester City to secure his signature meant that expectation levels were through the roof. Patience was required with a gifted 22-year-old living away from his homeland for the first time and trying to make his mark in Arne Slot’s misfiring team.

Even as his all-round contribution improved, his lack of Premier League goals and assists was highlighted by critics. Rival supporters revelled in his misfortune, especially when this month the Premier League’s goal accreditation panel judged that his effort against Sunderland should go down as a Nordi Mukiele own goal.

No wonder there was such an outpouring of joy and relief — on the pitch and in the stands — when he slotted home Liverpool’s second, in the 2-1 win, shortly before the break.

Latching on to Hugo Ekitike’s pass after making an intelligent run in behind, Wirtz dispatched it beyond Jose Sa before punching the air in delight, then patting the crest on his shirt and being mobbed by his team-mates.

“It was very nice for me to score my first goal since I joined the club,” Wirtz told BBC Sport. “I was hoping that Hugo would see me. I am thankful that he did and he gave me the opportunity.

Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz celebrate the No 7’s goal (Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images)

“I know it’s the hardest league in the world and I just have to get used to the physicality and the players around me on the pitch. Every game I feel a bit better and I want to continue feeling like that. We are hitting rhythm. The last games were really good and we are doing better.”

Seven days earlier Wirtz had ended his wait for a Premier League assist with a pass for Alexander Isak to fire Liverpool ahead against Tottenham Hotspur.

His goal against Wolves, just 89 seconds after Jeremie Frimpong had created the opener for Ryan Gravenberch, proved to be the winner as Liverpool’s fourth straight win in all competitions left them fourth in the Premier League. The sight of Wirtz adding end product to his game bodes well for the challenges ahead.

“I am quite sure it was a relief for him,” Slot told reporters post-match. “I could see with his reaction when he scored the goal and it was the same with his team-mates, they were really happy for him.

“In football, rightly so maybe, we mainly get judged on results and individuals mainly get judged on goals and assists, and we sometimes forget what else is there to do during a game.”

Wirtz created a game-high three chances, including the one for Ekitike early on from a perfectly-weighted through ball which resulted in the Frenchman hitting the post. That double act is going to be crucial with Isak sidelined until March with a broken leg.

Wirtz successfully completed seven of his nine dribbles and won 11 of his 15 duels, as well as having more touches inside the opposition box than anyone else on either side (nine). He was given a richly deserved standing ovation when Trey Nyoni replaced him deep into added time.

Operating off the left in Slot’s 4-2-3-1 formation seems to suit Wirtz as he is given a licence to drift into pockets of space in central areas. Yes, it was only winless Wolves but this wasn’t a one-off. His influence has been gradually increasing with his passing more precise, his frame more sturdy and his belief starting to surge as the understanding between team-mates grows. He is now showing why Liverpool broke the bank to get him.

“Florian has had multiple good games for us but he is getting better every game he plays,” said Slot. “He is getting fitter and fitter and was getting closer and closer to his first goal. It’s not a surprise he scored.

Florian Wirtz scores his first Premier League goal (Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images)

“He will be the first to understand that one goal is not enough. So hopefully he will score many more goals for us. I liked his performance during large parts of the game. He was special in a lot of moments.”

Wider concerns remain for Slot. Not least the lack of game management and the glaring weakness when it comes to defending set pieces. Santiago Bueno was the latest beneficiary when he halved the deficit from a corner shortly after the interval, and Wolves threatened to salvage a point on an emotional day when both clubs honoured the memory of Diogo Jota.

Slot has plenty to sort out in the new year if this surge up the table is going to continue, but having Wirtz operating with such a swagger is a serious asset.