German media delivers harsh verdict on 'unlucky' Liverpool ace Florian Wirtz amid blunt warning

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Liverpool star Florian Wirtz has been under the microscope since his $157 million (£116 million) transfer move to Anfield this summer but his country is edging closer to confirming its spot at the World Cup. That means that when it plays Germany on Monday, anything other than a win for Slovakia will ensure Wirtz and co are heading to the World Cup without the need for a play-off.

Wirtz was not spectacular here — no one in a Germany jersey was — but the national media felt that he could have done more, even in the circumstances. Liverpool playmaker Florian Wirtz.

Learn more German magazine Web.de added that Wirtz's "slump at Liverpool is also evident in his German national team jersey". "His first shot was too hesitant, and then he missed the target." On a tricky night for Germany, its biggest stars were always likely to draw criticism for underperforming.