Familiar comforts await as pressured Wirtz rejoins Germany squad

Following a challenging start at Liverpool, midfielder Florian Wirtz is hopeful that returning to the German national team will help him regain his best form.

Since moving to Anfield in the summer for a transfer fee of £100 million (115 million euros) that could rise to £116 million, Wirtz has yet to score or provide an assist across nine Premier League and Champions League matches.

Liverpool's recent three-game losing streak, their longest under manager Arne Slot, has intensified scrutiny on the 22-year-old midfielder.

Germany's October World Cup qualifiers offer Wirtz a prime opportunity to rediscover his rhythm.

The German side faces Luxembourg on Friday before travelling to Belfast for a match against Northern Ireland three days later.

Having lost 2-0 to Slovakia in their opener and secured a narrow victory over Northern Ireland, the four-time World Cup champions must improve quickly to secure qualification for next year's tournament.

The Obvious Problem

After just 10 matches at Liverpool, Wirtz has already faced criticism from British media outlets.

Following Liverpool's Champions League defeat to Galatasaray, former defender and pundit Jamie Carragher suggested dropping Wirtz, labelling him the obvious problem.

Carragher stated he was not performing at the required level and needed to step out of the team for Liverpool to regain last season's form.

Broadcaster Gary Neville described Wirtz as somewhat predictable, adding he required further coaching and development.

While Wirtz's statistics may appear underwhelming, some analysts argue his struggles are linked to Liverpool's overall poor performances.

Commentator Micah Richards noted on a recent podcast that Wirtz is taking longer than expected to settle but highlighted his chance creation, which teammates have failed to capitalise on.

Richards also pointed to the high transfer fee as a contributing factor to the scrutiny.

During the second half of the Galatasaray match, Wirtz created two strong scoring opportunities that were not converted.

Shortly after entering Saturday's game against Chelsea, he delivered a clever backheel pass to Mo Salah.

Salah, after shooting wide with only the goalkeeper to beat, apologised to Wirtz.

Confidence in Germany

Wirtz stands to benefit from returning to Germany, where most believe concerns about his ability are overblown.

DFB sport director Andreas Rettig assured Bild that Florian would make his mark at Liverpool.

Rudi Voeller, the DFB sporting director, told Sky Sports that while Wirtz needed time to adapt to his new role, he would ultimately succeed.

Voeller explained that at Leverkusen, he was the focal point of the attack, receiving consistent service, whereas Liverpool's system differs.

World Cup-winning captain Philipp Lahm referred to the midfielder as a guaranteed success.

Coach Julian Nagelsmann, however, provided the strongest support, calling Wirtz Germany's most important attacking player.

With long-term injuries affecting Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz, Wirtz has become Germany's primary creative outlet.

In September's match against Northern Ireland, he scored a remarkable free-kick to secure victory.

Though not a prolific goalscorer, Wirtz has contributed seven goals and three assists in his previous 15 international appearances.

Wirtz himself remains calm about his Liverpool challenges.

In a September interview with Sky Germany, he acknowledged he would have preferred more goal involvement but stated he remains confident in his abilities.

He added that he knows he will eventually demonstrate his full potential on the pitch.