German media have reacted strongly to Florian Wirtz’s standout display for Germany in their recent clash with Slovakia.
With the Premier League and other major divisions set to resume in just four days following the final international break before a packed festive schedule, national teams across Europe have been completing their last qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
Germany followed up their 2-0 win over Luxembourg with a commanding 6-0 demolition of Slovakia, putting them in firm control of Group A and sealing automatic qualification. Right after the victory, German outlets released their assessments — and they all seemed to echo the same view on Liverpool’s Wirtz.
After shining for several seasons with Bayer Leverkusen, Wirtz joined Liverpool in June for a club-record £116m fee. But his start at Anfield has been far from smooth, drawing heavy online criticism from fans and pundits in both England and Germany.
However, his performance against Slovakia seems to have shifted that narrative. German journalists were full of praise as Wirtz delivered two assists and played with the confidence many felt had been missing.
“Florian Wirtz left his English doppelganger behind this time,” wrote Süddeutsche Zeitung.
They continued: “Good to see you again, Mr. Wirtz. For weeks, it was unclear whether the real Wirtz or a confused double was playing for Liverpool and Germany. In Leipzig, the original reappeared — technique, turns, crosses, passes, two lovely assists for Sané — everything was back. He even made a case for Man of the Match without scoring. If Nagelsmann wants to compete for the World Cup title, he needs this version of Wirtz.”
WAZ echoed the sentiment, applauding both Wirtz and Leroy Sané, who netted twice from the midfielder’s assists:
“For Wirtz, who has been struggling at Liverpool, and for Sané returning to the national team, this performance was a soothing relief after weeks of debate.”
Not every outlet was fully convinced, however.
90Plus highlighted that Wirtz’s Liverpool struggles were still visible early in the match:
“The Liverpool star’s crisis was noticeable; he didn’t look confident at first. But he grew into the game, made two superb assists for Sané (36’, 41’) and worked hard defensively. He deserved a goal of his own.”
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