Florian Wirtz critics warned as Liverpool star 'stronger than ever' following private talks

Wirtz

Florian Wirtz can use the criticism aimed at him during his difficult opening months at Liverpool to become even better player.

That is the view of Wirtz's German national team manager Julian Nagelsmann, who watched the Reds star deliver a virtuoso performance with two goals and two assists in Friday's 4-3 win over Switzerland in Basel.

Wirtz's display, which featured two superb goals from long range, was further evidence that the 22-year-old has put his initial struggles at Liverpool behind him, with the £116m summer signing having gone 22 Reds games without a goal.

After finally finding some consistency in late November, Wirtz scored six goals in 10 appearances around the turn of the year, although his momentum had been halted of a late by a back injury.

His matchwinning performance in Switzerland suggests that that issue is behind him now though, and Nagelsmann feels his difficult period will only stand him in good stead.

“That [adapting to Liverpool] was a completely normal situation that affects a young player. He’s someone with emotions and first has to deal with facing criticism. At that intensity, it wasn’t justified,”

said the Germany boss, who will be looking to Wirtz to spearhead his nation's World Cup campaign in the summer.

“We grew even closer, had many good conversations where he really opened up. He’s intelligent and very open, and you get a lot back from talking to him. He can take a lot from that phase and come out stronger than ever before.”

While Wirtz's quality on the ball is in no doubt, it is his work-rate off it which has also impressed Nagelsmann, who cited the praise of a German football legend as more evidence of Wirtz's quality.

“What sets him apart is his commitment – covering so much ground and working so hard as a left attacking midfielder is exceptional," he continued.

“He’s already a name in world football, and if he keeps this up, he’ll remain at the very top for a long time at any club because he’s unbelievably good and always has the necessary energy.

"Lothar Matthaus gave him a grade of A+ with a star. Who would want to disagree? You can’t.”

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