German media have universally lauded Florian Wirtz after he produced an imperious display under Jurgen Klopp for Germany. After a poor start to their Nations League campaign, with a draw against the Netherlands and a home defeat to Greece, Die Mannschaft were under pressure going into their third game against Serbia in Munich.
But Wirtz and his team-mates rose to the occasion with an excellent 2-0 win. The Liverpool playmaker was involved in both goals, waltzing through the Serb defence before hitting the post, with Tom Biscof converting the rebound. Wirtz then scored the second goal himself with a fine first touch in the box and a classy finish before celebrating with Klopp.
Klopp's verdict on Wirtz's Liverpool struggles
Alluding to his struggles with Liverpool, Klopp said after the game: "I only know the one I know now; I didn't get a sense of the other one." Bild also made reference to Wirtz's difficult first year at Anfield, saying: "The Liverpool star shows no sign of his problems at the club, exudes joy in playing and was involved in both goals."
As they gave him a rating of one - the highest possible - it said the goal "must have a liberating effect on the former Leverkusen player." It added: "He's supposed to regain his confidence under Klopp. Seems to be working!" Meanwhile, Focus said he had "nimbly weaved through the Serbian defence as if they were slalom poles" for the first goal and described him as "simply amazing."
Wirtz's man-of-the-match display
ZDF commentator Oliver Schmidt was particularly excited by Wirtz, saying: "That's what everyone wants: to be caressed like Flo Wirtz's ball." Sport 1 stopped short of giving Wirtz, who took over the captain's armband for the second half, the top rating, but gave him the next-best thing: 1.5. It said he "showed flashes of his world-class talent several times."
Using the more traditional rating system, Bulinews gave Wirtz 9/10, as they named him man of the match. The German football site said: "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."
Sportschau said Wirtz overcame a "sluggish" start to produce "two absolutely brilliant moments" for the goals. The only downside of the night for Germany was the fact they didn't win by a greater margin, with Bavarian Football Works pointing out that Nick Woltemade and Wirtz "could have added goals three or four easily with their headed attempts."
What's next for Klopp's Germany
Klopp's side round off the international break with the return trip to early Group B leaders Greece on Sunday. The Greeks looked set to make three wins out of three against the Netherlands when they led 2-0 at the break. But two second-half goals, including one from Virgil van Dijk, saw the Dutch salvage a point.
