Florian Wirtz Crumbles Under Pressure as Liverpool Star Gets Brutally Exposed in Germany's Stunning Slovakia Upset
Florian Wirtz has faced harsh criticism following his display in Germany's surprising 2-0 loss to Slovakia during their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match.
The Liverpool newcomer has endured a sluggish start to the 2025-26 campaign after his £116 million ($155.9 million) transfer from Bayer Leverkusen, managing zero goal involvements across his first three Premier League appearances while appearing to lack his usual sharpness.
The international break seemed like an ideal chance for Wirtz to regain his rhythm in a comfortable setting, but Germany's unexpected defeat to Slovakia is hardly likely to restore his self-belief.
While Wirtz wasn't alone in struggling for Die Mannschaft, he couldn't escape the harsh judgment of German journalists following the final whistle.
Florian Wirtz vs. Slovakia
BILD labeled Germany's loss as a "crushing humiliation" and showed little mercy regarding Wirtz's performance. Despite generating the "sole genuinely threatening moments" for his nation in Bratislava, he received only a 5/10 rating, criticized for surrendering possession in the sequence leading to Slovakia's opener just before the interval.
Sport1 delivered an even harsher verdict on the 22-year-old, stating he remained "virtually invisible" throughout large portions of the match in a "lackluster" showing. Though he showed improvement early in the second half, he "failed to meet expectations" and "faded once more." They also awarded the Liverpool player a 5/10 grade.
While Wirtz squandered a significant opportunity for Germany, he remained the most creative player on the field with four chances created and posted an expected assists figure of 0.52. Nevertheless, his 79% passing accuracy, match-leading eight lost duels, and 20% successful dribble rate indicate it was an evening the playmaker would prefer to forget.
However, Liverpool legend Steve Nicol defended the midfielder and instead criticized Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann for deploying Wirtz in a wide left position.
"Why would you play [Leon] Goretzka centrally in what's meant to be an attacking role when Florian Wirtz is available?" the 63-year-old questioned on ESPN FC. "Even if it's a Florian Wirtz who hasn't begun brilliantly at Liverpool, why position him on the left wing? It's completely illogical."
Wirtz wasn't the sole underperformer for Germany—only Antonio Rüdiger earned above 5/10 from Sport1—but his difficulties are undoubtedly worrying for Liverpool given their substantial investment in their new No.7. They'll be hoping this represents merely a temporary setback at the start of a fresh journey.
When Do Germany Play Next?
Wirtz will get a chance to bounce back on Sunday when Germany welcome Northern Ireland for their second World Cup qualifying fixture. FIFA's 71st-ranked side should pose little threat to Die Mannschaft, despite Germany no longer being the dominant global powerhouse they once represented.
One early stumble shouldn't generate excessive worry considering Germany's Group A adversaries are Slovakia, Northern Ireland and Luxembourg. Wirtz should still find numerous opportunities for success during the qualifying process.