Florian Wirtz has been the subject of criticism but Germany legend Rudi Voller has backed the Liverpool star to be a success for both club and country
AUGSBURG, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 27: Florian Wirtz of Germany looks on during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Germany and Greece at WWK Arena on September 27, 2026 in Augsburg, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Florian Wirtz looks on during the Nations League match between Germany and Greece at WWK Arena on September 27, 2026 in Augsburg, Germany(Image: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
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Germany legend Rudi Voller has thrown his support behind Florian Wirtz, backing him to thrive for both club and country, while expressing his frustration at the scrutiny the Liverpool star has faced over the past year.
It follows a challenging period for the playmaker, who has struggled to prove decisive in matches in the manner anticipated following his £116m switch to Anfield from Bayer Leverkusen.
While there was an understanding that a period of adjustment would be necessary to settle into Premier League football, the early stages of the new campaign have so far offered little indication that he can be the match-winner in crucial moments for Liverpool.
This has prompted criticism in some quarters, with Jamie Carragher suggesting a midfield reshuffle is necessary for new Reds head coach Andoni Iraola to achieve results, potentially involving leaving Wirtz out in favour of alternative central options.
The scrutiny has not been confined to Liverpool alone, as former Germany international Toni Kroos took a swipe at Wirtz over his performances at the World Cup during the summer.
All of this has prompted several figures to rally behind Wirtz, with both Iraola and Jurgen Klopp, the legendary former Reds boss who is now in charge of the German national team, making clear that the 23-year-old contributes far more than statistics alone when he takes to the pitch.
Amid the continued debate, Voller, who won the World Cup with West Germany in 1990, has leapt to the Liverpool star's defence, voicing his anger at the treatment he has received in certain quarters.
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 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."
Florian Wirtz Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Wirtz will undoubtedly be eager to demonstrate that Voller and all those backing him are correct over the weeks and months ahead, which could begin with his involvement in the national side under Klopp.
The attacking midfielder came off the bench in a disappointing 1-0 loss to Greece on Sunday, with hopes that he could feature from the start in a forthcoming encounter with Serbia, before the reverse fixture against Greece brings the three-week international break to a close.
Following that, Wirtz will turn his attention back to club duties with Liverpool, where high-profile clashes against Manchester City and Arsenal could provide him with the perfect stage to demonstrate his worth and make a genuine impact.
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