Florian Wirtz Under Fire: Liverpool Star Slammed After Shock Germany Defeat to Slovakia

Florian Wirtz, Liverpool’s £116 million summer signing, found himself at the center of a storm of criticism following Germany’s stunning 2-0 defeat to Slovakia in their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. The highly anticipated move from Bayer Leverkusen has seen the young attacking midfielder endure a challenging start to the 2025-26 season, and his international performance has done little to quell concerns.

A Tepid Start for the Reds’ New No. 7

Wirtz, who arrived at Anfield with immense expectations, has yet to register a goal contribution in his first three Premier League matches. His performances have been described as “off the pace,” a stark contrast to the dazzling form he displayed for Bayer Leverkusen. The international break offered a potential respite and an opportunity to regain confidence in a familiar national team setup. However, Germany’s unexpected loss to 71st-ranked Slovakia has only intensified the spotlight on the 22-year-old.

German Media’s Harsh Verdict

While Wirtz was not the sole underperformer for Julian Nagelsmann’s squad, the German media did not hold back in their assessment. Leading newspaper BILD labeled Germany’s defeat a “brutal embarrassment” and was equally critical of Wirtz’s display, handing him a modest 5/10 rating. Despite creating what they described as the “only truly dangerous moments” for his country in Bratislava, he was specifically singled out for losing possession in the build-up to Slovakia’s crucial opening goal just before halftime.

Sport1 delivered an even more scathing review, stating that Wirtz “went completely under the radar” for much of the game, calling it a “disappointing” performance. While acknowledging a slight improvement at the start of the second half, they concluded that he “couldn’t live up to the demands placed on him” and “eventually disappeared again,” also assigning him a 5/10.

Statistical Struggles and a Defender’s View

Despite missing a significant chance for Germany, Wirtz did manage to create the most opportunities (4) of any player on the pitch, finishing with an expected assists (xA) total of 0.52. However, other statistics painted a bleaker picture: a 79% pass accuracy, a game-high eight duels lost, and a mere 20% dribble success rate collectively suggest a night the playmaker would rather forget.

Interestingly, Liverpool icon Steve Nicol offered a staunch defense of Wirtz, shifting the blame directly onto Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann. Speaking on ESPN FC, the 63-year-old questioned Nagelsmann’s tactical choices: “Why are you playing [Leon] Goretzka through the middle supposedly in an attacking position when you’ve got Florian Wirtz in your team? Albeit a Florian Wirtz who hasn’t started that well for Liverpool, but why are you putting him out on the left? It makes no sense at all.” This sentiment highlights a common debate in football: ensuring players are deployed in positions that best utilize their strengths.

Looking Ahead: A Chance for Redemption

The struggles of Florian Wirtz are undoubtedly a concern for Liverpool, especially given the significant investment made in their new No. 7. However, it’s crucial to remember that this is just the beginning of a new chapter for the talented midfielder. A change of club, league, and country often requires an adjustment period, even for the most gifted players.

Wirtz will have an immediate opportunity to redeem himself and silence his critics when Germany hosts Northern Ireland this Sunday in their second World Cup qualifier. With Group A also featuring Luxembourg, an early setback against Slovakia should not derail Germany’s qualification hopes entirely. For Wirtz, it’s a chance to demonstrate the quality that made him one of Europe’s most coveted young talents and provide a much-needed boost to his burgeoning Liverpool career.