Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz offered a reminder of what he can do ahead of the World Cup as he scored for Germany in a comfortable win over Finland in Mainz
12:12, 01 Jun 2026
Florian Wirtz during the Germany vs Finland friendly in Mainz
Florian Wirtz during the Germany vs Finland friendly in Mainz(Image: Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Germany warmed up for the World Cup with a 4-0 victory over Finland this weekend, with Liverpool attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz getting on the scoresheet in the second half.
Wirtz started as one of four players in a versatile attack for Julian Nagelsmann's side, alongside Jamal Musiala and Lennart Karl of Bayern Munich, and Deniz Undav of Stuttgart. The Liverpool man played 73 minutes, at which point he was replaced by Nick Woltemade, and netted from close range just after the half-time break, pouncing on a defensive error to double Germany's lead.
In the group phase of the World Cup, Germany will take on Curacao, the Ivory Coast and Ecuador. Before it kicks off, it will face one more friendly, which is against the United States in Chicago.
When Wirtz returns for his second pre-season with Liverpool, he will do so under a different head coach after Arne Slot was fired on Saturday following an underwhelming campaign.
Brought in last year from Bayer Leverkusen, Wirtz scored seven goals and assisted another 10 in all competitions for Liverpool. There is much more to come from the 22-year-old in the future.
"It is a big transfer window for Liverpool on the back of a really, really frustrating season after winning the league," Alan Shearer told Betfair last week.
Wirtz endured a tough season at Liverpool
Wirtz endured a tough season at Liverpool(Image: Harry Langer/DeFodi via Getty Images)
"Their recruitment last summer hasn't worked yet. Now, (Milos) Kerkez may get better, (Jeremie) Frimpong may get better, Wirtz may get better and Isak may get better.
"And I think, because of Mo Salah leaving, mentally it will free up those guys.
"So I do expect them to get better. But with (Andy) Robertson leaving, and maybe (Ibrahima) Konate, with Salah, they need another huge summer.
"And they can't have a summer where they're then waiting 12 or 18 months for players to settle in. The signings need to hit the ground running and do well from the off."
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Liverpool.com says: Wirtz is a huge talent and he could well show that at the World Cup this summer. Germany's early fixtures are favorable, and he is their main man.
When he comes back to Liverpool, Wirtz needs to be fitter and stronger, but his on-ball value is enormous. Seventeen goal contributions in a season that was so tough for everyone at Anfield is not a bad base to start from.
With a fully fit Alexander Isak in front of him, he should find things much easier. Add in a couple of quality wingers on either side of him and that will help too.