Florian Wirtz has responded to his critics and offered an update on the ankle injury that forced him off during Liverpool's 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
The 23-year-old played a leading role in the victory at Anfield, helping open the scoring when his shot was deflected into the net by Pascal Gross. While not credited with a goal or an assist for the effort, Wirtz's contribution followed on from assisting Bradley Barcola and Victor Munoz before scoring himself in Liverpool's previous three matches against LASK, Brentford and Villarreal respectively.
The Germany international now boasts two goals and four assists for club and country from 14 appearances so far this season, with five of those goal contributions coming from his last seven outings throughout October.
Wirtz shrugs off outside scrutiny
Prior to the expanded September/October international break, Wirtz had faced growing criticism both in England and back in his home country following a below-par first season on Merseyside, a disappointing World Cup and a quiet start to the campaign under new head coach Andoni Iraola.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has been one of the midfielder's most vocal critics, insisting that he had to be dropped by Iraola on more than one occasion - most recently following the Reds' 3-0 loss to Man City earlier this month.
But with Wirtz since putting in a number of eye-catching performances for Liverpool, the German offered his take on the outside attention he continues to receive following his side's win over Brighton.
"Maybe I'm just an interesting guy, you know?" he joked to BBC Match of the Day. "No, I just play my football. If people want to talk about me or judge me, that's their job. I'm not focusing on that. I just want to play football and more I cannot do. I think many things weren't so good in the last month so I'm even happier that it's going well at the moment. It's really enjoyable."
He added: "We had the right mentality today to go into this game. In the first half or first 30 minutes, we were on top of them and really good in the duels, creating a lot of chances. Then in the end we just defended good. We are in a good way to get where we want to be. We should keep going like that and I'm really happy about that."
However, Wirtz was more bullish when speaking to Sky Deutschland in his mother tongue, saying: "I don't pay any attention to it at all. I really couldn't care less what anyone has to say about me. So, everyone is welcome to talk about me. I simply play football because I enjoy it. Of course, I want to be successful."
Ankle injury update
Wirtz also played down the severity of the ankle injury that forced him off in Liverpool's win over Brighton. The German was replaced by Trey Nyoni in the 65th minute, minutes after going down and receiving treatment both on and off the pitch.
Iraola admitted that Wirtz was an injury doubt for the Reds' midweek League Cup clash with Chelsea as a result of the issue. But the 23-year-old shared his hope that he would not be sidelined for long after offering an update on his ankle.
"I think it should be all right. It's not too bad," he said. "I don't know much yet, we have to check it but it won't be long."
He told Sky Deutschland: "We haven't done any tests yet, but I think it's not too serious. I've been twisting my ankle a bit over the last few weeks. I need to get that sorted out somehow. Then I think I'll be back for the next game."
