That’s more like it, Florian.
Florian Wirtz has just produced the kind of performance Liverpool supporters have been waiting to see.
Starting for Germany against Serbia, Wirtz scored and assisted in a 2-0 win, playing a major part in Jürgen Klopp’s first victory as Germany manager.
And the numbers back up what we saw.
One goal.
One assist.
74 successful passes from 79.
97 touches.
Six chances created.
Five passes into the final third.
Eight touches inside the opposition box.
The six chances created were the most of anyone on the pitch, while his eight touches in the Serbian box were also a match-high.
That’s the Wirtz Liverpool signed.
We’ve spent the last few weeks talking about his slow start at Anfield. I’ve been critical of him myself because I know there’s so much more to come from this player.
But I’ve never thought he suddenly became a bad footballer.
Tonight was a reminder of that.
Wirtz was involved in Germany’s opening goal, hitting the post before Tom Bischof reacted to the rebound and fired Germany ahead. He then got his own goal in the second half, producing a composed finish to make it 2-0.
And there was a nice little moment at the end when Klopp gave him a huge bear hug.
I’m sure Liverpool supporters enjoyed seeing that.
Because this is exactly what we want from Wirtz.
Not necessarily spectacular tricks every five minutes. Just involvement.
Get on the ball. Create chances. Move into dangerous areas. Take responsibility. Make things happen.
Tonight he did all of that.
The 74 completed passes from 79 are particularly encouraging for me. Wirtz wasn’t just waiting around for something to happen in the final third. He was involved throughout the game and helped Germany control possession.
That’s something Liverpool need to see more often.
Of course, one international performance doesn’t suddenly solve everything.
Liverpool are a different team to Germany, the Premier League is a different environment and Wirtz still has plenty to prove at Anfield.
But this is a bloody good reminder of the player Liverpool bought.
He’s only 23.
The ability hasn’t disappeared.
Wirtz just needed a night like this.
And if he comes back from international duty with the same confidence he showed against Serbia, Liverpool supporters might finally start seeing more of the player we were all so excited about when he arrived.
Maybe this is the beginning.
I certainly hope so.
By Jamie (The Kopite View)
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