Florian Wirtz 'almost invisible' as Liverpool star accused of being in 'crisis'

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Florian Wirtz was always going to be heavily scrutinized following his blockbuster transfer to Liverpool due to the astronimical price the Reds paid - and that scrutiny has seemingly followed him on international duty.

Wirtz lined up for Germany on Thursday as Julian Nagelsmann's side suffered a 2-0 defeat by Slovakia in World Cup qualifying, and it was a disappointing night for the 22-year-old.

Despite having creating one of the best chances of the night for the away team, as he smartly worked an opening for himself before seeing a shot saved, Wirtz has faced criticism for his overall display.

The youngster was dispossessed in the build-up to Slovakia's opening goal, and rather than attempt to track back, he vented his anger in the direction of Slovakia player Ondrej Duda, as he was not happy with the nature of the challenge.

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The referee did not award a foul, though, and within seconds, David Hancko was putting the ball in Oliver Baumann's net.

Wirtz's performance prompted a reactionary piece by German outlet Bild, which published an article with the headline 'What's going on with Wirtz?' as well as a subheading which said 'Superstar in crisis since mega-change.'

The article said: "Since his mega-transfer to Liverpool, things haven't been going well

He was supposed to lead the attack in the absence of Jamal Musiala (broken leg), but against Slovakia, he was almost invisible."

The article goes on to suggest that Wirtz's struggles at international level pre-date his summer move to Liverpool, as he endured a disappointing couple of games during the Nations League Finals.

There is also a premature suggestion that "things are faltering at Liverpool," evidenced by Wirtz's withdrawal against Arsenal with cramp.

Needless to say, the Bild article is hyperbolic in the extreme, and few Reds fans have concerns over how the big-money signing has been performing.

Addressing Wirtz's withdrawal against Arsenal after the game, Slot said: “It wasn’t an injury, it was a welcome to the Premier League!

“After 85 minutes, I don’t think he knew he could have cramp in so many different places and that’s what happened

That is welcome to the Premier League, that is welcome to playing in this intensity against an Arsenal that can play really intense as well.

“If you bring in - as we do - very, very good players, so, so, so talented but from different leagues and young - Florian is 22 and 23 Hugo [Ekitike].

"I think it is normal if you are not 27 or 28 you maybe need to make a step towards the Premier League and that’s what these two are doing.”