German Media Deliver Harsh Florian Wirtz Verdict After Slovakia Loss
German media have delivered a harsh assessment of Florian Wirtz after Germany’s 2-0 defeat to Slovakia in Thursday’s World Cup qualifier. The two-time Bundesliga Player of the Year, who sealed a £116 million move to Liverpool this summer, now finds himself under even greater scrutiny.
Liverpool, despite some early adjustment struggles, have still won all three of their opening matches to sit top of the Premier League table heading into the international break. Still, the fact that the German press are already questioning Wirtz’s form will not sit comfortably with supporters.
German Press Raise Concerns Over Wirtz
Looking at the numbers, his display wasn’t entirely poor. Wirtz ranked joint-second best for Germany on Sofascore, creating four key passes and one big chance. Yet the spotlight was firmly on his flaws. He won just three of ten ground duels, surrendered possession 21 times, and recorded a 79% passing accuracy. That earned him only 5/10 from Buli News, who noted:
“Germany’s only real creative spark, Wirtz produced three key passes and almost scored with a brilliant solo run in the first half. But he lost the ball in the build-up to Slovakia’s opener and, instead of tracking back, got into an argument with an opponent. He looked frustrated for much of the night.”
Bild described the result as a “historic embarrassment” and also gave Wirtz a five, the second-lowest grade on their scale. Sport1 echoed the rating, writing:
“He tried to lift his game after the restart, but it didn’t last. He couldn’t meet the demands placed on him and eventually faded again.”
Bavarian Football Works added: “Germany’s attack lacked bite, and the bench options offered no relief. Wirtz looked stuck, unhappy, and unable to shake off his markers.”
For Liverpool fans, the criticism is unsettling, especially after the club’s scouting department invested so heavily in him. Still, few doubt his natural talent. With time to adapt to Arne Slot’s system and settle into a squad transformed by summer turnover, expectations remain that Wirtz will soon prove he’s far more than a luxury player.
