German Media React to Liverpool Star Florian Wirtz’s Performance

Liverpool’s summer signing Florian Wirtz scored a stunning free-kick to help Germany beat Northern Ireland 3-1 in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Sunday.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder netted his eighth goal for Die Mannschaft as Germany bounced back with a convincing victory following their shock 2-0 loss in Slovakia last week.

Former Arsenal winger Serge Gnabry put the hosts ahead in the seventh minute in Cologne, before Isaac Price’s volley levelled the scores 11 minutes before half-time.

Germany managed to respond with two goals in the space of three minutes in the second half, with both substitute Nadiem Amiri and Wirtz scoring to give Julian Nagelsmann’s side their first victory in Group A.

German media were delighted with Wirtz’s improvement in the second half against Northern Ireland, after he had a ‘weak’ display in the first 45 minutes, during which he ‘barely received the ball and lacked confidence’.

Florian Wirtz Nets Stunning Free-Kick

German newspaper SPORT1 awarded Wirtz a 3 for his display against Northern Ireland – the middle score on their 1-to-5 scale – and praised his improvement in the second half, during which he netted a ‘spectacular’ free-kick to double the hosts’ lead:

Wirtz won his 33rd cap for Germany on Sunday night and scored for a fifth time in his last 10 appearances with the national team.

The 22-year-old joined Liverpool in a £116m deal from Bayer Leverkusen this summer and has started all four of the club’s games in the 2025/26 campaign under head coach Arne Slot.

Wirtz is Liverpool’s second-most expensive signing ever, with Alexander Isak’s £125m move on deadline day surpassing the Germany international’s arrival at Anfield.

Isak was left on the bench for Sweden’s 2-2 draw with Slovenia last week and has yet to make an appearance for club or country this season.

The 25-year-old was absent from Newcastle’s pre-season training amid his transfer saga and has not featured for the Magpies in 2025/26 before his departure.

Sign up to The GIVEMESPORT Report to get exclusive daily updates from Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs, Dean Jones and Tom Bogert sent straight to your inbox.