German Media Critique Florian Wirtz’s Struggles with Liverpool

Florian Wirtz’s struggles at Liverpool have drawn sharp criticism from the German media during his recent international duty. The midfielder, who made a record-breaking transfer to Liverpool for £116 million in June, has yet to find his form, leading to a challenging start to his Premier League career.

Since joining Liverpool, Wirtz has been under immense pressure to perform. Despite being hailed as a promising talent in German football and choosing to move to Anfield over Bayern Munich, his impact has been limited. As of now, the 22-year-old has not scored or assisted in 11 Premier League matches, although he managed to record two assists during his Champions League return to Germany against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Despite these challenges, Wirtz was called up by coach Julian Nagelsmann for the World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg and Slovakia. In the match against Luxembourg on November 17, 2023, he played the full 90 minutes in his preferred No. 10 position. However, the match did not reflect well on Wirtz, as he struggled to make a significant impact.

German Press Reaction to Wirtz’s Performance

The German media’s assessment of Wirtz’s performance was largely negative. The national team faced a well-organized Luxembourg side and required a second-half brace from Nick Woltemade to secure a 2-0 victory. Bavarian publication Suddeutsche Zeitung noted that it took the team until the 35th minute to start finding their rhythm, stating, “Florian Wirtz also gave the impression that he had finally substituted himself in, although his efforts during this phase seemed more well-intentioned than well-executed.”

Wirtz did create an early chance, but his shot was saved in the ninth minute. Later, he showed brief promise with a burst of pace but ultimately missed another opportunity, shooting over the bar in the 28th minute. The criticism intensified from Der Spiegel, which described his performance as “extremely weak,” highlighting his lack of physical intensity and tendency to get himself into trouble during plays.

Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung remarked on Wirtz’s missed chance in the first half, calling it a squandered opportunity to give Germany the lead. They acknowledged that his clearance attempt contributed to the team’s second goal but emphasized his overall limited impact on the match.

Looking Ahead: Wirtz’s Future with Liverpool

Wirtz’s ongoing difficulties have raised concerns not only for his club but also for his national team. The frustration surrounding his performances has been palpable, and fans are eager to see a turnaround. As Germany prepares for its next match against Slovakia, Wirtz will be under scrutiny to deliver a more impactful performance.

Upon returning to the UK, Liverpool will face Nottingham Forest at home on November 22, 2023. The match presents Wirtz with an opportunity to shake off the criticism and begin to fulfill the high expectations that accompanied his transfer.

As Wirtz navigates this challenging period, both supporters and analysts will be watching closely to see if he can find his footing and contribute effectively to his team’s success. The pressure is on for the young midfielder to translate his undeniable talent into tangible results on the pitch.