Liverpool star Florian Wirths insisted his international break with Germany was a success despite being booed in the win over Northern Ireland. The playmaker has been given the chance to link up with his international team-mates after coming under intense scrutiny since his move to the Premier League. Wirtz has not found the back of the net or provided an assist for Liverpool since the Community Shield, sparking heated debate over his performance and place in the team.
Jamie Carragher and Wayne Rooney have previously analyzed his performances, with the former Liverpool defender suggesting the Germany international should be relegated to the substitutes bench. Despite showing occasional glimpses of talent and hinting at why the Reds spent £116m on him over the summer, Werts showed promise with a cameo against Chelsea, but his ingenuity went unrewarded as Arne Slott’s side endured a third successive defeat. Liverpool fans will be hoping a change of scenery will help the champions in their current difficulties.
Wirtz played the entirety of both of Germany’s recent World Cup qualifiers. Victories over Luxembourg and Northern Ireland earned them maximum points.
Wirtz, who is on the verge of qualifying for next summer’s World Cup, posted on social media after a successful training camp and declared that his “break into the national team was a success”.
This was despite being booed by Northern Ireland fans after he threw himself to the floor in an attempt to win a penalty. After the referee waved play on, his every touch was met with jeers from the home fans.
Werts is set to return to Merseyside as Liverpool prepare to face Manchester United on Sunday amid a storm of controversy surrounding his performances.
Premier League pundits are divided over Wirtz’s struggles, but back in Germany, football legends and national heroes have rallied behind the former Bayer Leverkusen player.
National team head coach Julian Nagelsmann staunchly defended his players during the suspension.
“Even though he hasn’t scored, he’s still the player who creates the most chances in the Premier League,” he told Sport 1.
“It’s not his fault if his teammates don’t convert, and the stats don’t tell the whole story.
“Wirtz needs to get used to the league. I’ve seen him play completely free. He knows his abilities and how things work.
“He hasn’t always had it easy. He’s going to have to continue to work hard.”
