Florian Wirtz just made next Liverpool steps clear as Arne Slot needs to revive abandoned plan

2 hours ago 26

Any Liverpool fans tuning in to watch Germany take on Northern Ireland in the hope of finally seeing Florian Wirtz at his best will have been left disappointed.

It hasn't been the start to life at Anfield the 22-year-old or anyone involved with the Reds would have hoped for, with Wirtz having struggled to find his feet since his record-breaking move from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer.

Unfortunately for him, the international breaks haven't provided much respite either. A spectacular free-kick last month aside, his performances for his national team have provided more questions than answers, although Julian Nagelsmann continues to stick by him.

Wirtz is seen as something of the golden boy for his nation, and a lot is expected of him ahead of next year's World Cup - assuming Germany gets there of course, which still isn't a guarantee.

It did move a step closer to qualifying for the tournament with a 1-0 win, although it was an uncomfortable night in Belfast - the sort when you want your big names to step up and show their quality.

It was clear from early on how much responsibility Nagelsmann places on Wirtz to be his side's creative outlet. Almost any time he picked up the ball near the penalty area, the likes of Nick Woltemade and Leon Goretzka would promptly try and pick up some space in the box, hoping to be picked out.

Florian Wirtz of Germany is put under pressure by Ethan Galbraith, Trai Hume and Daniel Ballard of Northern Ireland

Florian Wirtz of Germany is put under pressure by Ethan Galbraith, Trai Hume and Daniel Ballard of Northern Ireland

Having seen a lot of the ball during the opening stages though, Wirtz's influence would wane as the first-half wore on. He did press well at times, which will please Arne Slot, and he should have picked up an assist after the break as he played Karim Adeyemi through on goal, only for the Borussia Dortmund winger to fire his effort wide.

Once again though, it was a night that won't silence Wirtz's doubters - but it did give Slot more insight into what he may need to do next.

Just like at Liverpool, Wirtz is clearly given a degree of freedom in his role with Germany, although there is clear preference from him to do most of his work out wide.

Having started against Northern Ireland out on the right, he would soon swap with Adeyemi as he drifted to the left, and it was there that remained for the majority of the game, with the odd foray into the center.

Did he do enough to suggest that his future lies on the left at Liverpool? Not really, but is it worth another experiment?

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Well, his brightest moment came during the second half when he almost got away from Shea Charles and into the penalty area, only to be brushed too easily off the ball as he looked to cut inside.

If anything, Wirtz's performance just leaves more confusion about how Liverpool can get the best out of him, but it is clear to anyone who saw him against Northern Ireland that he wants to be positioned more on the left.

Slot did of course try him out on the left wing at Crystal Palace - an experiment that was quickly abandoned at half-time with Liverpool lucky to only be 1-0 down.

Maybe that will have put the Reds boss off going down that road again, but if there's a chance it could help Wirtz, it's something he certainly needs to be considering.

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