Florian Wirtz reminded Liverpool and Germany of his quality with a match-winning performance for his country
Florian Wirtz playing for Germany
Florian Wirtz was Germany's match-winner against Switzerland(Image: Getty Images)
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Florian Wirtz received glowing praise from the German media after his man-of-the-match display for his country. And they noticed how he is playing with "joy" after linking up with his international team-mates. While it's been a disappointing debut campaign for Wirtz at Liverpool since his £116million transfer from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, he has emerged as a key figure for Julian Nagelsmann's squad.
Germany kicked off their World Cup preparations with a dramatic 4-3 victory over Switzerland in Basel, with Wirtz proving decisive. The 22-year-old was involved in all four German goals, providing two assists and scoring twice.
His assists arrived in the first half, which finished 2-2. Wirtz put his team ahead for the first time on 61 minutes with what Bild called a "goal of the month contender", a stunning curling strike from the edge of the area that nestled in the top corner.
Following Switzerland's equaliser, Wirtz delivered the decisive blow with another superb finish on 85 minutes. Predictably, Wirtz received the highest possible rating from Bild - a mark of one.
Their assessment read: "Wow, Wirtz! Our linchpin in attack. A beautiful one-two with [Kai] Havertz, a strong cross from midfield before the 1-1 equaliser, a great pass to Gnabry before the 2-2. Involved in almost every chance after the break as well. A fantastic goal in the 61st minute. His second goal sealed the victory."
Wirtz's display concealed a mistake-riddled German showing, with De Welt saying: "A superb performance from Florian Wirtz saved the national team from a bumpy start to the World Cup year in Basel, where their match was marred by errors."
Referencing his difficulties for the Reds, the same publication continued: "At least Wirtz, who had long seemed out of sorts in Liverpool, displayed a joy for the game, setting up the first two goals and crowning his performance with two stunning goals to make it 3-2 and 4-3."
Florian Wirtz fires home Germany's fourth goal against Switzerland
Wirtz fires home Germany's fourth goal against Switzerland(Image: Getty Images)
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Sky Sports Germany said: "The outstanding magician Florian Wirtz has raised great hopes for magical World Cup nights among the German national team" while noting he had papered over the team's defensive frailties.
The Bavarian Football Works website asked, while naming Wirtz man of the match: "Was this award really ever in doubt? Wirtz yet again had a flawless performance for Germany.
Julian Nagelsmann
Julian Nagelsmann has some issues to sort out ahead of the World Cup(Image: Getty Images)
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"He single-handedly won this game for Die Mannschaft. Two goals and two assists against a strong side on the road is a simply mind boggling performance. It is hard to make an argument against Wirtz being the best player in this squad at the moment."
Germany resume their World Cup preparations on Monday when they face Ghana in Stuttgart.
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