Liverpool playmaker Florian Wirtz scored Germany's second goal and was involved in both as they beat Serbia 2-0 in the Nations League in Munich under Jurgen Klopp, drawing praise from German media.
Florian Wirtz of Germany celebrates scoring his team’s second goal against Serbia
Wirtz celebrates with his team-mates after scoring Germany's second goal(Image: Getty Images)
German media have heaped praise on Florian Wirtz following an outstanding performance under Jürgen Klopp for Germany.
After a disappointing start to their Nations League campaign, which included a draw against the Netherlands and a home defeat to Greece, Die Mannschaft faced mounting pressure heading into their third fixture against Serbia in Munich.
However, Wirtz and his teammates rose to the challenge with an impressive 2-0 triumph. The Liverpool playmaker had a hand in both goals, gliding through the Serbian defence before striking the post, with Tom Biscof converting the rebound.
Wirtz then got on the scoresheet himself with an assured first touch in the box and a composed finish before sharing a celebratory moment with Klopp.
Reflecting on his struggles at Liverpool, Klopp remarked after the match: "I only know the one I know now; I didn't get a sense of the other one."
Bild also acknowledged Wirtz's difficult first year at Anfield, noting: "The Liverpool star shows no sign of his problems at the club, exudes joy in playing and was involved in both goals", reports the Liverpool ECHO.
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Awarding him a rating of one — the highest accolade available — the publication noted that the goal "must have a liberating effect on the former Leverkusen player."
It further commented: "He's supposed to regain his confidence under Klopp. Seems to be working!" Meanwhile, Focus noted he had "nimbly weaved through the Serbian defence as if they were slalom poles" for the opening goal, describing him as "simply amazing."
Jurgen Klopp
Jurgen Klopp hailed Wirtz after his first win as Germany boss(Image: Getty Images)
ZDF commentator Oliver Schmidt was particularly effusive in his praise of Wirtz, declaring: "That's what everyone wants: to be caressed like Flo Wirtz's ball."
[Sport 1](http://Sport 1) stopped just short of awarding Wirtz, who assumed the captain's armband for the second half, a perfect score, yet still bestowed upon him an impressive 1.5 rating. The publication noted he "showed flashes of his world-class talent several times."
Opting for a more conventional grading system, Bulinews awarded Wirtz a 9/10, crowning him man of the match.
The German football outlet remarked: "The biggest difference-maker for Germany, Wirtz put in a fantastic performance and was directly involved in both goals. He finished the game with five key passes, a 93 per cent pass success rate and two completed dribbles."
Florian Wirtz of Germany
Florian Wirtz was excellent as Germany beat Serbia(Image: Getty Images)
Sportschau noted that Wirtz shook off a "sluggish" opening to deliver "two absolutely brilliant moments" for both goals. The sole disappointment of the evening for Germany was their failure to secure a more commanding victory, with [Bavarian Football Works](http://Bavarian Football Works) highlighting that Nick Woltemade and Wirtz "could have added goals three or four easily with their headed attempts."
Klopp's team conclude the international break with a return fixture against Group B frontrunners Greece on Sunday.
The Greeks appeared poised to secure their third consecutive victory against the Netherlands after establishing a 2-0 advantage at half-time. However, two second-half strikes, including one from Virgil van Dijk, enabled the Dutch to rescue a point.