Florian Wirtz has arrived at Liverpool with the reputation of being one of Europe’s most gifted young creators, yet both the German National Team and his new club are still waiting for his class to fully emerge. His latest outing for Germany, a subdued display in a 2-0 win over Luxembourg, has intensified the debate around how best to unlock his talent.

Mixed Reaction to Germany Display

Julian Nagelsmann’s side continued their perfect start to World Cup qualifying, collecting a fourth straight victory thanks to two goals from Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade. Wirtz started in his preferred number 10 position, yet struggled to influence the match in the way many anticipated.

Several German outlets questioned his performance, marking a shift from the defence he had previously received at home following criticism from England. 1 & 1 wrote: “No brilliance, numerous mistakes, but two Woltemade goals. The German national team struggles against underdog Luxembourg to take the penultimate step towards the World Cup.”

Spiegel were similarly blunt, labelling the Liverpool midfielder as “weak” and adding that he, along with Nagelsmann, was “sometimes invisible”.

For a player widely viewed as the creative heartbeat of Germany’s next generation, it was a night that fuelled discussion rather than admiration.

Understanding Wirtz’s Liverpool Transition

Wirtz’s adaptation to life at Anfield has mirrored his national team form, bright in flashes but inconsistent in rhythm. Since his summer move, pundits and former players have questioned whether Liverpool have yet found the right role for him.

One figure offering calm amid the noise is his father, Hans Wirtz. Speaking to Sport 1, he said: “Florian consciously took a step to become an even better footballer. And he doesn’t regret it in any way. He’s doing well in Liverpool, he looks forward to every training session, and he’s integrated well into the team. We are 100 percent satisfied with how things are going so far. I only take the criticism from the former internationals in passing. Florian is a young man who wants to prove himself in a new environment.”

His words point towards patience, development, and a long-term view rather than short-term judgement.

Tactical Balance Under Arne Slot

One of the major questions surrounding Wirtz is where he fits in Arne Slot’s system. Liverpool’s new head coach favours fluidity in his forward line, yet Wirtz has been used in a variety of roles without finding consistent momentum.

He impressed from the left flank against Real Madrid earlier this season, operating with confidence and aggression, but club legend Robbie Fowler believes Wirtz’s future lies centrally. Fowler feels he is a natural number 10 who should be used in that position going forward.

Slot faces the challenge of fitting Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, and Alexander Isak into the same attacking structure. All excel with the ball at their feet, all prefer central zones, and all require freedom to operate.

Finding harmony between them will be key to Liverpool’s progress, and Wirtz’s form may well hinge on Slot defining his role with clarity.

Why Wirtz Still Warrants Belief

Performances may fluctuate, but Wirtz’s talent is undeniable. He remains a young footballer adapting to a new league, a new country, and a new tactical system. His intelligence, movement, and technical sharpness are qualities that Liverpool value highly, and his journey at Anfield has only just begun.

For Germany, he is still expected to be central to their long-term creativity. For Liverpool, he is viewed as a player who will grow into his role as the season progresses. The criticism is loud for now, but so too is the belief from those closest to him.