Florian Wirtz registered his first two assists since the Community Shield on his return to Germany with Liverpool, with his performance against Frankfurt making headlines.
Wirtz produced an impressive display in Frankfurt on Wednesday night, teeing up Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai as Liverpool earned a 5-1 victory.
It was a welcome return to form for Arne Slot‘s side but also a big step forward for his No. 7, who continues to attract outside criticism for his lack of goal involvements.
He has not only found himself under the spotlight in England but also in his native Germany, with concerns over his performances after a £116 million move from Bayer Leverkusen.
But the outlook was more positive after Wirtz’s strong showing at Deutsche Bank Park.
Sky Germany announced his “scorer curse over,” explaining that he “played a committed game and was rewarded after half-time.”
It was a similar assessment from Bulinews, with Michael Kryschak writing: “Maybe this was the game to finally ‘set him free’ at his new club!”
Get German Football News‘ Jack Meenan selected Wirtz as his Player of the Match, with an eight-out-of-10 rating equal to Szoboszlai.
“Sometimes familiarity would help boost confidence, and this is what happened here,” Meenan wrote.
“Wirtz has struggled to provide a goal or assist in his early Liverpool career, but things seemed to click this evening, and all he needed was a familiar opponent in Frankfurt to do so.
“Wirtz provided two assists and even created the most chances in the whole game (four). This game will give the 22-year-old a much-needed boost in confidence, which he can now build on going forward.”
BILD‘s Christian Doering was also impressed, writing: “His return to the German football stage in Frankfurt had been eagerly awaited – and Wirtz didn’t disappoint.
“After a subdued first half, the attacking star showed why Liverpool had paid over €100 million for him in the summer.”
Wirtz says he “can do much, much more”
Having not scored or assisted since setting up Hugo Ekitike for his goal in the Community Shield in August, Wirtz was embraced by his teammates after the cross for Gakpo to make it 4-1 on the night.
Speaking to German broadcaster DAZN after the final whistle, the playmaker insisted he “can do much, much more.”
“In the first half I made it hard for myself getting into good spaces and then I was unfortunate to lose the ball before we conceded, but on the whole it was OK,” he explained, per AP.
“I know that I can do much, much more. I think the second half was really good, and from everyone else too
“And so I’m satisfied that we’ve won today and that I finally have a goal involvement.”
Fan Comments