Florian Wirtz has struggled to make an impact for Liverpool this season and was once again criticised for his performance in Germany's 2-0 win over Luxembourg
Florian Wirtz of Germany gestures during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Luxembourg and Germany at Stade de Luxembourg on November 14, 2025 in Luxembourg.
Florian Wirtz failed to impress for Germany on Friday(Image: DeFodi Images, DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Florian Wirtz continues to struggle for form despite hopes that the international break might have helped bring about a resurgence. The midfielder, who made headlines with his record-breaking £116million move to Liverpool in June, is a player clearly lacking in confidence at the moment.
Wirtz arrived at Anfield with high expectations, having been hailed as one of Germany's brightest talents and chose to sign for Liverpool over Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. However, the 22-year-old's start to life on Merseyside has been less than stellar, despite occasional glimpses of his undeniable talent.
His lack of end product has been particularly alarming, with no goals or assists in 11 Premier League games to his name. Ironically, he managed two assists in his Champions League return to Germany against Frankfurt.
Despite the growing media narrative around the struggling playmaker, Julian Nagelsmann selected Wirtz 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.
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 criticism.
Bavarian newspaper 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 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.
The playmaker was described as "weak"
View 3 Images
“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.”
The midfielder had a chance after nine minutes which the opposing keeper kept out. He then showed impressive speed and ball control in the 28th minute to create another chance but sent his shot sailing over the crossbar.
Der Spiegel delivered a scathing assessment, deeming it "an extremely weak performance" from the Liverpool star. They claimed he was at times invisible and "lacking physical intensity in almost all of his actions", before dealing a crushing blow by noting: "He repeatedly dribbled himself into trouble and lacked any spark or inspiration."
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.
Wirtz played in a central role for Germany
View 3 Images
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung highlighted his deflected effort that went wide in the 39th minute, saying he "squandered" an opportunity to put Germany ahead before the break. However, they did note that the second goal came from his clearance attempt at the other end of the pitch.
It's clear that Wirtz's underwhelming performances for both club and country this campaign have left him and observers feeling disappointed, with attention now turning to how he'll perform in Germany's upcoming fixture. When he returns to the UK, Liverpool will take on Nottingham Forest at home on November 22.
Get 50% off Premier League kits and merch
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
Content Image
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.