Florian Wirtz matches Sadio Mane’s Liverpool record in Brentford win

Florian Wirtz equalled Sadio Mane’s Liverpool record for chances created in a Premier League match during Saturday’s 2-1 victory at Brentford.

The Germany international created nine chances from open play, matching the club’s highest total since that statistic began being recorded. The last Liverpool player to reach the same figure was Mane, who achieved it against Burnley on 21 January 2021.

Wirtz, signed from Bayer Leverkusen for 134 million euros, also provided the assist for Victor Munoz as his influence at Liverpool continued to grow following a difficult start to life in England.

The achievement revives a record associated with Mane, who left Liverpool in 2022 but remains a significant figure in the club’s recent history. His 120 Premier League goals for the Reds are often the most prominent part of his legacy, but his creativity was also an important element of his game.

Mane’s record-breaking performance came in very different circumstances. Liverpool lost 1-0 to Burnley at Anfield, bringing a 68-match unbeaten run in home league games to an end.

Despite the defeat, Mane was at the centre of Liverpool’s attacking efforts. He created nine chances, had three shots and completed all four of his attempted dribbles. His team-mates were unable to convert the opportunities he supplied.

The statistic highlights a less celebrated aspect of Mane’s time at Liverpool. As part of the attacking trio he formed with Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, he was regularly recognised for his pace, power and goalscoring threat.

However, his ability to open up defences and create opportunities for others was also central to Jurgen Klopp’s system. Trent Alexander-Arnold later compared Mane with Cristiano Ronaldo, several years after the pair had been team-mates.

Mane won the Champions League, Premier League and both domestic cups during his Liverpool career. His record against Burnley therefore offers another indication of the breadth of his contribution to the club.

Nearly five years after Mane set the benchmark, Wirtz has become the first Liverpool player to match it. The milestone came after the arrival of the Germany international, whose transfer fee made him one of the most expensive signings in the club’s history.