Florian Wirtz changes his tune as German media notice stark difference on international duty
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Florian Wirtz reminded Liverpool and Germany of his quality with a match-winning performance for his countryThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn moreFlorian Wirtz received glowing praise from the German media after his man-of-the-match display for his country.
While it's been a disappointing debut campaign for Wirtz at Liverpool since his £116million transfer from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, he has emerged as a key figure for Julian Nagelsmann's squad.Germany kicked off their World Cup preparations with a dramatic 4-3 victory over Switzerland in Basel, with Wirtz proving decisive. Wirtz put his team ahead for the first time on 61 minutes with what Bild called a "goal of the month contender", a stunning curling strike from the edge of the area that nestled in the top corner.Following Switzerland's equaliser, Wirtz delivered the decisive blow with another superb finish on 85 minutes.
His second goal sealed the victory."Wirtz's display concealed a mistake-riddled German showing, with De Welt saying: "A superb performance from Florian Wirtz saved the national team from a bumpy start to the World Cup year in Basel, where their match was marred by errors."Referencing his difficulties for the Reds, the same publication continued: "At least Wirtz, who had long seemed out of sorts in Liverpool, displayed a joy for the game, setting up the first two goals and crowning his performance with two stunning goals to make it 3-2 and 4-3."Sky Sports Germany said: "The outstanding magician Florian Wirtz has raised great hopes for magical World Cup nights among the German national team" while noting he had papered over the team's defensive frailties.The Bavarian Football Works website asked, while naming Wirtz man of the match: "Was this award really ever in doubt? It is hard to make an argument against Wirtz being the best player in this squad at the moment."Germany resume their World Cup preparations on Monday when they face Ghana in Stuttgart.Join our LFC WhatsApp community and get all the latest LFC news, views, transfer gossip and more, as it happens We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.