Florian Wirtz has responded to the constant criticism in devastating fashion after Germany won 3-1 against Northern Ireland.

The 22-year-old was slammed by German media largely due to his altercation with Slovakia’s Ondrej Duda after losing possession of the ball, which directly led to David Hancko’s opening goal during the 2-2 draw.

Wirtz has dominated headlines since his eye-watering £116 million move to Liverpool via Bayer Leverkusen this summer, as every move he has made at Anfield has come under the microscope.

Indeed, Wirtz has appeared short of confidence in the Premier League, but his second-half display in the win against Arsenal heading into the international break was reminiscent of his Bundesliga form.

Florian Wirtz of Germany looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Slovakia and Germany at Narodny futbalovy stadion.Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images

His teammate, Milos Kerkez, hit back at critics with an impressive performance for his national side, and now the German international has duly followed suit.

Florian Wirtz showcases his ‘unbelievable’ ability to Liverpool fans

In the win against Arsenal, Dominik Szoboszlai produced an “incredible” free kick from 32 yards to single-handedly secure the three points for Liverpool.

And now Wirtz has put his name forward for free-kick taking duties at Anfield as he rifled his effort past Bailey Peacock-Farrell in the 72nd minute to ensure Germany took the three points on Sunday.

One supporter wrote: “Florian Wirtz absolute Worldclass free kick to silence the Haters, where are all the haters now?”

I’ll be honest with you, I’ve got no concerns about Wirtz whatsoever. You can see the quality in him straight away, it’s obvious to anyone watching. He’s a German talent with unbelievable ability, and the criticism he’s getting is only because he’s gone to Liverpool,” another claimed.

Julian Nagelsmann suggested Wirtz was to blame for Germany dropping points to Slovakia in World Cup qualifying, citing his intensity, but the Liverpool faithful have no doubt their new talisman will adapt soon enough.

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“Once Florian Wirtz adapts to the pace and physicality of the Premier, he will be a nightmare for opposing teams.”

Another wrote: “Let’s hope he gains confidence from this. He’s world class and he’ll click with the team very soon. Once that happens, it’s officially over.”

Wirtz received a Ballon d’Or nomination for his efforts with Bayer Leverkusen last season, and now that he is off the mark for the 2025/26 campaign, albeit with Germany, the Liverpool fans are confident he is now ready to show just how talented he is.

“The masses genuinely thought this elite technician was going to fail in the Premier League because he didn’t instantly hit the ground running from day one. That is when you realise just how good Wirtz is. The smartest player on any pitch. He’s 1/1.”

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Florian Wirtz can hit the ground running after his goal for Germany

Admittedly, Wirtz has struggled in the Premier League so far, but the Liverpool fans will hope his latest exploits for Germany are a sign of what is to come.

Regardless of the £116m fee paid for his services, it was always going to take time for Wirtz to adapt to the demands of English football.

Furthermore, he has joined the Reds at a time when the club have exacted wholesale changes to the squad – Wirtz is not the only player who needs time to develop chemistry with his teammates.

With two Liverpool players scoring free kicks in recent weeks, the Reds now have an extra weapon they can add to their arsenal when they travel to Turf Moor to face Burnley on Sunday.