What Florian Wirtz is doing in training speaks volumes amid Liverpool struggles

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Liverpool Echo IconSportFootballLiverpool FCFlorian Wirtz has been taking part in additional training while away with Germany amid a below-par start to his Liverpool career.Florian Wirtz might not have enjoyed the start he would have wanted since signing for Liverpool, but the German is going the extra mile in a move to kickstart his season. The playmaker joined the Reds in a deal worth up to £116m from Bayer Leverkusen back in June.His arrival was greeted with much fanfare, but he has since faced plenty of criticism for a somewhat muted start for Arne Slot's side.

The 22-year-old is yet to return a goal, or assist, in the Premier League since joining Liverpool, while he was benched for recent clashes with Everton and Chelsea.He did at least claim an assist on his debut against Crystal Palace in the Community Shield, but it still remains his only goal contribution from 10 appearances in all competitions.READ MORE: Ibrahima Konate agreement reached as Liverpool sent clear warning - 'He'll get it now'READ MORE: Federico Chiesa strong message sent as Arne Slot told to stop picking 'underwhelming' Liverpool manGiven his hefty transfer fee and just how highly-rated he is, a plethora of pundits have frequently had their say on both Wirtz's performances for the Reds and Slot's usage of him - as the scrutiny on both player and club are under continues to grow.However, Wirtz has received plenty of support in his homeland with a number of Germany legends insisting it will not be long before he shows his true quality for Liverpool.In the meantime, the midfielder will be looking to impress for Germany during the October international break.Germany will host Luxembourg in their latest World Cup qualifier on Friday, before travelling to Northern Ireland on Monday.Wirtz scored his only goal of the campaign so far - for club or country - during the last international break when he netted a stunning free-kick in the reverse fixture against Michael O'Neill's side.And, ahead of Germany's latest fixtures, the playmaker has reportedly been taking part in extra training as he looks to find top form.Following the end of Germany's latest training session on Tuesday, BILD reports that Wirtz first stayed out on the pitches to take part in extra shooting practice before then retreating to the gym for an additional weights session.Meanwhile, Germany team-mate David Raum has been quoted praising the Liverpool star as he confirmed the extra lengths Wirtz is going to in training."The boy is hardworking and shows energy on and off the pitch," he said. "He was once again one of the longest players on the pitch today."We believe in the boy, we're building him up here.

But he knows what he's capable of."Given his ongoing adaptation to the physical demands of the Premier League, as well as limited output in front of goal so far this season, the additional work Wirtz is putting in on the training ground can only help him on both fronts as he looks to kickstart his Liverpool career and, in turn, silence his critics once and for all.