Florian Wirtz was praised as Germany’s “linchpin” as he followed up a dominant display vs. Switzerland with an influential turn in Monday’s 2-1 win over Ghana.
Wirtz scored two, assisted two in Germany’s 4-3 friendly win over Switzerland last week and kept his place in the side for Monday’s clash with Ghana.
Crucially, Julian Nagelsmann retained him in a free role on the left wing, which should serve as inspiration for Arne Slot over how best to use Liverpool’s No. 7.
Though he did not get his name on the scoresheet as Kai Havertz and Denis Undav earned a late 2-1 victory over Ghana, Wirtz was again the key man as he played 61 minutes.
He struck the outside of the post with a free-kick early on, before finding the back of the net only for that goal to be ruled out with Nick Woltemade stood offside.
It was Wirtz who won the penalty for Germany to take the lead on the cusp of half-time, however, with his shot blocked by the hand of Jonas Adjetey and, after a lengthy VAR review, Havertz was able to convert.
With the 22-year-old having already played the full 90 minutes against Switzerland, Nagelsmann then brought Wirtz off just after the hour mark.
How the German media rated Florian Wirtz vs. Ghana
Florian Wirtz (Germany 17) (Foto: osnapix/Marcus Hirnschal Alamy Stock Photo)
Though he did not play the full game, the local media saw enough, with outlet T-Online praising Wirtz as “once again the linchpin of the German game.”
BILD gave him their second-highest rating as “when anything happened, it went through him,” while Bulinews noted how he “drifted into half-spaces to probe passes in behind the Ghanaian defence.”
Bavarian Football Works gave Wirtz their ‘Der Bomber’ award, writing: “Fresh off a masterclass against Switzerland, Wirtz proved he is currently the heartbeat of this team.
Florian Wirtz scored a wonderful free-kick as Germany beat Northern Ireland (PA Wire/PA)
“Though he hit the woodwork early, his ability to manipulate tight spaces in the final third was unmatched.
“The Liverpool ace dictated the tempo, eventually providing the creative spark that tired out Ghana’s defensive block.
“Kai Havertz seemed to struggle to find clear sights of goal against a deep defence, and Nick Woltemade wasn’t on his best form tonight, despite putting on a good show.
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“In the end, Wirtz came out on top.”
Per FotMob, despite only playing 61 minutes Wirtz created the joint-most chances of any player (two) as well as recording the fifth-most touches (59).
Wirtz could start on the left wing as Liverpool visit Man City in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday, with Mohamed Salah fit to make his return which may see Cody Gakpo drop out.