'I saw totally different Florian Wirtz play for Germany and I left with strong feeling'

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Florian Wirtz failed to dominate the Premier League in his first season for Liverpool, but after starring at the World Cup for Germany, his second year will be vastly differentFlorian Wirtz was a bright spark for Germany during a disappointing 2-1 loss to Ecuador(Image: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images)Germany may have lost 2-1 to Ecuador in Thursday's Group E finale, but it was encouraging to see Florian Wirtz play with confidence and freedom during a classy performance at the FIFA World Cup.Wirtz has provided two assists at the World Cup so far. Wirtz's debut season didn't pan out as expected, certainly not for Arne Slot before he was fired, but Liverpool fans should be optimistic.As I arrived at New York/New Jersey Stadium to watch a decisive World Cup game, I was eager to see Wirtz perform on the biggest stage of all.

Wirtz has drifted into this role several times for Liverpool, while also playing more centrally on other occasions.Wirtz created Germany's opening goal, putting it on a plate for Leroy Sane(Image: MAURO PIMENTEL / AFP via Getty Images)While Wirtz stuck to his position when Ecuador was in possession, he enjoyed a free-roaming role when Germany had the ball. Liverpool struggled for creativity and optimism at times last season, and fans constantly looked at Wirtz for the solution.Wirtz also showed an impressive attitude when tracking back, recovering the ball on four occasions, and igniting a fresh German counter.

There were still some doubts over his shooting, as all three efforts were blocked.Wirtz played with flair and freedom against Ecuador and was Germany's best player(Image: Jewel SAMAD / AFP via Getty Images)The German became a goal machine at Leverkusen, and his ability to score from range and pick out passes made him one of the most sought-after players across Europe. Although the Bundesliga remains very physical, Wirtz still allows himself more time than he has, which will change over time.But I left New Jersey feeling extremely confident that Wirtz would not only prove his worth at Liverpool, but also improve drastically from the start of next season.