We take a look at what the German media had to say about Florian Wirtz as the midfielder sought to leave his Liverpool woes behind while on international duty
Florian Wirtz of Germany reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Luxembourg and Germany at on November 14, 2025 in Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
Florian Wirtz failed to impress for Germany on Friday
View 3 Images
If there was any hope that Florian Wirtz might regain his form during the international break, it appears to have since been quelled. The midfielder is a player clearly lacking in confidence ever since his then-record breaking £116million transfer to Liverpool in June.
He arrived at Anfield with plenty of expectation, having been considered one of the gems of German football and snubbed interest from Bayern Munich to join the Premier League champions. But aside from flashes of his obvious quality, it’s fair to say the 22-year-old’s start to life on Merseyside has not gone as expected.
Particularly disappointing has been his end product, having failed to score for the Reds as of yet and still not registering an assist in 11 Premier League matches, though he ironically notched two on his Champions League return to Germany against Frankfurt.
Despite the narrative forming around the playmaker in the media, Wirtz was selected by Julian Nagelsmann for this month’s World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg and Slovakia.
He played the full 90 minutes of the first encounter on Friday, featuring in his favoured No.10 role, while he has recently had to play in a multitude of positions across the front line and in midfield under Arne Slot.
Germany's Florian Wirtz, center, fights for the ball with Luxembourg's Laurent Jans, second right, and Luxembourg's Dirk Carlson, second left, during the 2026 World Cup group A qualifying soccer match between Luxembourg and Germany in Luxembourg, Friday, Nov. 14, 2025.
The playmaker was described as "weak"(Image: AP)
View 3 Images
However, the overwhelming consensus among the German press was that he struggled. Germany as a team failed to radiate brilliance against a well-organised Luxembourg and needed a second-half brace from Nick Woltemade to secure the three points. Wirtz in particular received plenty of flack.
Bavarian-based publication Suddeutsche Zeitung wrote: “After about 35 minutes, the Germans finally celebrated their first (small) successes of the evening. They managed to disrupt Luxembourg's high press simply by being present and, at least, gained some ground on the pitch.
“Florian Wirtz also gave the impression that he had finally substituted himself in, although his efforts during this phase seemed more well-intentioned than well-executed.”
Content Image
Content Image
Wirtz had an early chance after nine minutes which was saved by the opposition goalkeeper. He then showed a good burst of pace and close control in the 28th minute to create another opportunity but blazed his effort well over the bar.
Der Spiegel were brutal in their verdict, labelling it “an extremely weak performance” by the Liverpool star. They described him as being sometimes invisible and “lacking physical intensity in almost all of his actions”, before delivering a hammer blow by saying: “He repeatedly dribbled himself into trouble and lacked any spark or inspiration.”
Florian Wirtz of Germany is challenged by Olivier Thill of Luxembourg during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Luxembourg and Germany at Stade de Luxembourg on November 14, 2025 in Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
Wirtz played in a central role for Germany
View 3 Images
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung noted his deflected shot which went wide in the 39th minute and said he “squandered” the chance to give Germany a first half lead. However, they did note that the second goal came from his clearance attempt at the other end of the pitch.
It’s fair to say Wirtz’s limited impact for club and country this season has frustrated him and others, and we await to see how he fares in Germany’s next match. When he returns to the UK, Liverpool will take on Nottingham Forest at home on November 22.