Florian Wirtz's match-winning performance for Germany against Serbia couldn't have come at a better time, but even he knows he won't get things his own way back at Liverpool
Munich, Germany - October 1: Florian Wirtz of Germany looks on during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Germany and Serbia at Allianz Arena on October 1, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Florian Wirtz impressed in Germany's win over Serbia(Image: Getty Images)
This, of all international breaks, could not have come at a better time for Florian Wirtz.
Even though he was called upon by Jurgen Klopp earlier than planned, just getting some time out of the limelight was exactly what he needed after that performance at Bournemouth. His first outing under the former Liverpool boss might not have gone to plan, but he can thank Manchester City and the Premier League for diverting a lot of that attention.
And just when there was something of a lull in that furore, Wirtz chose the perfect time to turn on the style for Germany. His performance against Serbia on Thursday was probably the ideal time to send a reminder to Liverpool of just what he’s capable of.
This was the Wirtz that Reds fans thought they were getting when the club broke its transfer record to beat Bayern Munich and City to his signing last year. The 23-year-old pulled the strings, effectively created the opening goal and scored the other, well and truly earning that Klopp bear hug in the process.
One performance doesn’t instantly transform what has been an underwhelming year and a bit, but it has to count for something given how low on confidence he has looked thus far at Anfield. If this is to be the turning point, then that faith placed in Klopp will not have been misguided.
Of course, we can’t get ahead of ourselves. Wirtz has produced encouraging performances over the past 12 months, but they have proven to be the outliers rather than the norm so far.
Germany's coach Jurgen Klopp congratulates Germany's midfielder #17 Florian Wirtz after the UEFA Nations League Group A2 between Germany and Serbia at the Allianz Arena in Munich, southern Germany on October 1, 2026. (Photo by Karl-Josef HILDENBRAND / AFP via Getty Images)
Liverpool's fans faith in Jurgen Klopp may not have been misplaced(Image: Getty Images)
And, if we’re to be brutally honest, he will face tougher tests than Serbia. Even he seemed to realize that his counterparts had helped him out on Thursday.
“Naturally the opponent gave us more space because they were a bit more disorganised, and perhaps they were looking for one or two more counter-attacks and then more space opens up and we used it well,” Wirtz told reporters after the game.
He was then asked what he needs to produce more performances like that against Serbia, to which he jokingly replied: “Ideally lots of space in every game so I can do what I want!”
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Wirtz certainly wouldn’t be alone in that wish - in fact, Andoni Iraola would no doubt love to come up against those sorts of teams every week. Unfortunately, you’re just not going to get that in the Premier League.
And Wirtz knows that. The likes of Bournemouth, Fulham and even Newcastle - against whom he produced perhaps his best performance last season - have shown it already this season, and it’s up to him to find ways around that lack of space.
Thursday’s game though was a reminder that he does have that quality, and that he can be a success at Liverpool. Who knows, maybe a distracted City might be the perfect first game back for him.