Why Florian Wirtz was booed in Germany clash as Liverpool midfielder's struggles continue

Wirtz

Florian Wirtz was booed during Germany's 1-0 win over Northern Ireland.

The 22-year-old midfielder, who Liverpool signed from Bayer Leverkusen for £116m in the summer, played almost the full match as Julian Nagelsmann's side clambered to victory at Windsor Park on Monday night.

Nick Woltemade broke the deadlock on the half-hour mark, turning in a corner from David Raum with his shoulder.

Although Wirtz was unable to score or assist, Die Mannschaft managed to hold onto their lead and add three crucial points to its World Cup qualifying campaign.

Germany remain top of Group A with nine points from four games, and only goal difference separates them from Slovenia in second place.

Martin O'Neil's side, who are third with six points, could still qualify for next summer's tournament in the United States, while Luxembourg are yet to get off the mark.

Wirtz was booed during the clash against Northern Ireland.

Shortly before the Video Assistant Referee ruled out an opener from Dan Ballard inside the opening quarter of an hour, the Liverpool midfielder almost cleared the stand with a wayward shot.

Then, in the second half, to make himself even more popular, Wirtz threw himself to the ground in the box.

He was not adjudged to have been fouled, so Germany were not awarded a penalty.

The theatrics didn't go down too well with the home crowd, and Wirtz was roundly booed whenever he subsequently touched the ball.

The Liverpool midfielder hit the deck again a few moments later, this time just outside the area.

He was finally awarded a free-kick, giving his country the chance to deliver the ball into the box.

In stoppage time, Wirtz was replaced by Jonathan Burkardt.

The German has struggled to impress since swapping the BayArena for Anfield in the summer.

Wirtz has failed to score or assist in each of his first nine appearances across all competitions for Liverpool.

The midfielder would've been determined to end his drought in front of goal during the international break, but he fired blanks against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland. Speaking to Sport 1 on Friday, Naglesmann addressed Wirtz's form.

Naglesmann

"Even though he hasn't scored any goals, he is still the player who creates the most chances in the Premier League,"

"It's not his fault if his team-mates don't convert them, and the statistics don't even tell the whole story.

"Wirtz needs to get used to the league. I saw him playing with total freedom. He knows what he's capable of and how things work.

He hasn't always had it easy – he'll have to work hard now too."

Then, speaking to reporters on Sunday, Naglesmann said: "I think it's the normal way when you go to a new club, to a new league, it's not that easy at the beginning.

"He will adapt, I think, very quickly, and he will score goals for Liverpool and he will create a lot of chances. Probably he can score tomorrow and I will be very happy for him and for us."

Asked if he had noticed a difference in Wirtz's confidence, Nagelsmann added: "I think the first time when we met after the summer period, it was kind of special for him because he was new at Liverpool and then in the first time in the national team [after his move].

"We had a long meeting and discussed the situation but now he's the old Wirtz, a good mood, and I hope we will see him perform tomorrow evening very well."

Character World Official Liverpool FC Double Duvet Cover Set, - https://amzn.to/48OKbqb