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Florian Wirtz's appearance in Germany's World Cup qualifier against Slovakia further allayed any concerns over his fitness, after he came off during Liverpool's win against Arsenal last weekend.
However, the 22-year-old did not enjoy a happy return to the pitch as Germany was beaten 2-0 by Slovakia in Bratislava. David Hancko and David Strelec scored the goals for Slovakia, condemning Germany to a first-ever defeat in an away World Cup qualifier — in Germany's previous 104 World Cup qualifiers, the team had only suffered three defeats, all of which came on home soil.
The defeat by Slovakia is also Germany's third in as many games, after defeats by Portugal and France during the Nations League Finals over the summer.
While Wirtz showed glimpses of his class, it was not a night to remember for the Liverpool new boy, who was handed a 5/10 in Bild's player ratings from the game.
It said: "He created the only truly dangerous moments for the German national team: he fired in a low shot after a good dribble (32'). He set up Goretzka's great chance. However, he lost the ball before the 0-1 goal (42') and also got into a fight with his opponent."
The "fight" with the opponent is a reference to Wirtz's reaction after losing the ball in the buildup to Slovakia's goal, as he took issue with a challenge from Slovakia's Duda, which ultimately sparked the attack which led to Hancko's opener.
Another German outlet, Sport1, gave Wirtz a 5/10 rating, saying: "Completely under the radar for a good half hour and without much influence on the game – disappointing.
"But then he had a really good solo effort and finally had a shot on goal. He preferred to go head-to-head with Ondrej Duda shortly before the first goal, rather than running back.
"He noticeably pulled himself together at the start of the second half, but nothing came of it. He couldn't live up to the demands placed on him – partly because he eventually disappeared again."
Der Spiegel said that Wirtz was not at his best but suggested he was among the team's better players. "Wirtz performed below his potential, yet he was the source of inspiration.
"He dribbled, played his way into the Slovakian penalty area, and was involved in almost every dangerous situation. There just weren't that many of them. And: His loss of possession led to the 0-1 goal."
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