Former Germany star Michael Ballack has backed Florian Wirtz to show his quality at Liverpool, insisting the midfielder's slow start is nothing to worry about.
Florian Wirtz admitted that he's still adapting to the rigours of Premier League football and claimed he has "no idea" when his first Liverpool goal will come. The German playmaker, who has dazzled on international duty, is still finding his feet in England after joining one of Europe's most demanding divisions.
In the latest from our series focusing on players who swam against the tide during their careers, we take a look at one of Germany's great sporting rebels
Germany bounced back from their disappointing World Cup qualifying loss to Slovakia by beating Northern Ireland 3-1, with Liverpool new boy Florian Wirtz grabbing the pick of the goals.
Our expert offers his best Germany vs Northern Ireland predictions and betting tips for their first Group A 2026 World Cup qualifier today (07/09/2025)
Conor Bradley is looking forward to playing against his new Liverpool team-mate Florian Wirtz, as Northern Ireland are all set to clash against four-time world champions Germany in a 2026 World Cup qualifying game. Bradley spoke highly of Wirtz, while also claiming that he wants to make the German sensation's night difficult with a solid defensive display.
Jamal Musiala has been dubbed irreplaceable "like Lionel Messi" by German icon, Lothar Matthaus, after a shock World Cup qualifying defeat to Slovakia. The Bayern Munich midfielder fractured his fibula and damaged ankle ligaments following a brutal collision with Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in the Club World Cup. The 22-year-old was stretchered off in Atlanta, visibly distraught, and Bayern later confirmed he requires surgery that will sideline him for several months.
Germany were stunned by an incisive Slovakia as their World Cup qualification campaign got off to the worst possible start in Bratislava. David Strelec stole the show with a superb goal as he put a sluggish Antonio Rudiger to shame.