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Liverpool supporters were given their first real opportunity to look potential record signing Florian Wirtz during Germany’s 2-1 Nations League semi-final defeat to Portugal on Wednesday night, with the 22-year-old playmaker delivering a performance that both impressed and intrigued those watching from Merseyside.

But despite scoring the opening goal in Munich, Wirtz’s display came under mixed reviews from German media

The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder started as part of Julian Nagelsmann’s attacking setup and delivered the game’s opening goal just three minutes into the second half, meeting a clever chipped ball from Joshua Kimmich with a composed header.

However, the goal proved insufficient as Portugal mounted a comeback through Francisco Conceição and Cristiano Ronaldo to secure their place in the Nations League final.

Despite the disappointment of defeat, Wirtz completed the full 90 minutes and demonstrated several qualities that have made him Liverpool’s primary target this summer.

His performance showcased the composure and technical ability that has seen him register 16 goals and 15 assists across 45 appearances for Leverkusen this past season.

But those in Germany were not satisfied.

RAN.DE criticised the Liverpool target for disappearing in the game, giving him a 3/10 and writing:

“For a long time far too inconspicuous to decisively shape the German game.

But it’s also because his teammates find him too rarely.”

“The German opening goal then shows the whole class of the still Leverkusen player.

First he wins the ball, switches gears and then coolly finishes with a header.

“After that, Wirtz disappears again.”

Meanwhile, SportDE also gave him a 3/10 and wrote”

“Had his brilliant moments in the offensive third, but also seemed clearly inhibited at times.”

“Was initiator and executor of the opening goal.

The attacking artist initiates his goal himself by winning the ball against Trincao and then nods in the bottom right corner after a dream lift from Kimmich from seven yards.”

“However, he obviously misses his congenial partner Musiala.

GRADE: 3.”

To be fair to Wirtz, no player was seemingly awarded higher than 5 – with German media not happy with their semi-final exit,

Meanwhile, talks to bring the attacking midfielder to Anfield are expected to go on into next week.

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