Florian Wirtz has been backed after the Liverpool star received plenty of criticism for his performances in recent months, providing just one Premier League assist this term
Florian Wirtz of Germany looks on during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Germany and Greece
Florian Wirtz has been criticized for his performances in recent months(Image: (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images))
Germany legend Rudi Voller has backed Florian Wirtz to be a success for both club and country, having fumed over the treatment the Liverpool star has received in the past year.
It follows a difficult spell for the playmaker, who has struggled to decide games in a way that was expected after making the $153 million move to Anfield from Bayer Leverkusen. While there was an acceptance that some adjustments would be needed to settle into life in the Premier League, the early phases of the new season have shown little sign that he can be the difference in key moments for Liverpool.
That has led to criticism across the media, with Jamie Carragher believing a change in midfield is needed for Andoni Iraola to have success, which involves potentially dropping Wirtz for other options in the central ranks.
The criticism hasn't just come from Liverpool circles, as Toni Kroos aimed a dig at the Germany ace for his displays at the World Cup in the summer.
That has all led to some defense for Wirtz, with both Iraola and Jurgen Klopp making it clear that the 23-year-old offers more than just output to the team when he is present.
Amid the ongoing discussion surrounding the playmaker, Germany legend Voller has jumped to his defense, fuming over the treatment that he has received in some quarters.
Florian Wirtz (L) looks on with team mate Karim Adeyemi during a Team Germany training session
Florian Wirtz joined up with the Germany squad early and featured in the defeat against Greece(Image: Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
He told Bild: "He's been over there for a year now, and the English media are even more critical.
"I see a player who is doing everything he can to bring his exceptional qualities to the pitch in England as well.
"Flo is still young, and he's simply world-class! I know he'll be a very important, a key player for our national team. And that will be true in the upcoming tournaments as well.
"He and Jamal (Musiala) are our future. Yes, France and Spain have strong squads. But I know we're better than we've shown recently."
Wirtz will certainly be looking to prove that Voller and all of those in his corner are right over the coming weeks and months, which could all start with his time in the national team with Jurgen Klopp.
The playmaker was a substitute in a frustrating 1-0 defeat to Greece, with some hope that he can start in an upcoming clash with Serbia, before the return fixture against Greece rounds off the three-week international break.
After that point, Wirtz will return to club action with Liverpool, where important matches against Manchester City and Arsenal could give him a platform to shine and make a real difference.