Florian Wirtz raises World Cup hopes as German media reacts to player of the match display

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Florian Wirtz delivered a man-of-the-match performance for Germany against Switzerland, contributing to all four goals in the 4-3 World Cup preparation win

Florian Wirtz was Germany's match-winner against Switzerland(Image: Getty Images)

Florian Wirtz received glowing praise from the German media following his man-of-the-match display for his nation. While it's been a challenging debut campaign for Wirtz at Liverpool after his switch from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, he has emerged as a key figure for Julian Nagelsmann's squad.

Germany kicked off their World Cup preparations with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Switzerland in Basel and Wirtz was the match-winner. The 22 year old played a part in all four German goals, registering two assists and scoring twice.

His assists came in the opening half, which finished 2-2. Wirtz put his team ahead for the first time on 61 minutes with what Bild dubbed a "goal of the month contender", a superb curling strike from the edge of the area that nestled in the top corner.

After Switzerland levelled once more, Wirtz had the decisive say with another stunning effort on 85 minutes, which turned out to be the winner. Predictably, Wirtz was awarded top marks by Bild, a rating of one, the highest achievable.

The headline read: "Wow, Wirtz! Our linchpin in attack. A beautiful one-two with [Kai] Havertz, a strong cross from midfield before the 1-1 equaliser, a great pass to Gnabry before the 2-2.

"Involved in almost every chance after the break as well. A fantastic goal in the 61st minute. His second goal sealed the victory."

Wirtz's display obscured an error-riddled German performance, with De Welt stating: "A superb performance from Florian Wirtz saved the national team from a bumpy start to the World Cup year in Basel, where their match was marred by errors."

Referring to his difficulties for the Reds, the same publication added: "At least Wirtz, who had long seemed out of sorts in Liverpool, displayed a joy for the game, setting up the first two goals and crowning his performance with two stunning goals to make it 3-2 and 4-3."

Florian Wirtz fires home Germany's fourth goal against Switzerland(Image: Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Sky Sports Germany praised: "The outstanding magician Florian Wirtz has raised great hopes for magical World Cup nights among the German national team" before noting that he had concealed the side's defensive vulnerabilities.

The Bavarian Football Works website questioned, as it named Wirtz man of the match: "Was this award really ever in doubt? Wirtz yet again had a flawless performance for Germany.

"He single-handedly won this game for Die Mannschaft. Two goals and two assists against a strong side on the road is a simply mind boggling performance. It is hard to make an argument against Wirtz being the best player in this squad at the moment."

Germany continue their World Cup preparations on Monday when they face Ghana in Stuttgart.