One of the biggest storylines of the season for Liverpool to this point has been the much scrutinized performance of one of their two £100m signings, Florian Wirtz.
The electric German has yet to record a goal for the Reds and only recently secured his first assist for the club as well. He has found life a little more choppy than expected at Anfield as there are wholesale changes happening under Arne Slot this term.
However, a lot of the negative discourse around Wirtz this season is largely overblown. Sure, he could have played a bit better, but he also has done a lot of good as well.
He is in the Top 5 in the Premier League in created chances to this point and has begun playing better in recent weeks.
That's why his performance for his country on Monday against Slovakia should be a good harbinger for Liverpool brass and fans to take heart going forward that he will come good.
Big-Game Mentality
Germany versus Slovakia on Monday was a winner tops the World Cup qualifying group match and as such, had to be approached with a special mindset.
While the Germans were rampant in the 6-0 win at the end of the day, Wirtz was the sparkplug that whirred the Die Mannschaft machine into action against their overwhelmed foes.
Playing in a starring role for Germany and Liverpool means you will be in your fair share of marquee football matches throughout a season, and being able to rise to the moment on those nights are where the great players separate themselves from the good ones, and that is what Wirtz did yet again on Monday.
Wirtz played well in the win over Real Madrid in the Champions League just before the break as well, so he is beginning to stack strong showings in signature moments which bodes well going forward.
His huge talent and transfer fee means he is expected to be one of the main cogs in driving the Reds forward no matter who is in front of them, and this showing reinforces he is more than capable.
Playmaking class on full display
During his time at Bayer Leverkusen, Wirtz was seen as a creative wizard that was a magician with the ball at his feet. That is still very much the case as he can pick out almost any pass on the pitch that you may need.
Monday against Slovakia, he once again showcased his considerable abilities by registering two assists, both to Leroy Sane, while also being a menace his whole time on the pitch.
One of his assists to Sané was a from just inside his own half when he deftly floated a long through-ball that landed softly for his surging forward to control and finish. It was a treat of a pass.
However, for me, his second assist was a better indication of something he could bring to the Reds going forward.
His high-pressing was on display again, and after winning the ball back, Wirtz drove forward down the left wing before putting in a sumptuous low cross to the far post that sat perfectly for Sané to run on to and finish with aplomb.
German national team manger Julian Nagelsmann backed up his creative maestro, while speaking some harsh truths about the Reds.
""Liverpool could also help him out by scoring some of the chances he creates,” he said. “They somehow don't like to shoot the ball in."Julian Nagelsmann on LFC helping Wirtz
Creativity and Confidence
At the end of the day, a lot of people will judge his move to England based purely on the G/A numbers.
While that certainly plays a part in this conversation, his showing against Slovakia provided more evidence of his expected importance for Slot heading into a busy stretch of action.
A lot of times, it's the pass before the assist that is the most beautiful in an attacking move, but oftentimes it will get overlooked for the final square ball or pullback.
Wirtz has the ability to unlock a defense with those pass-to-assist balls that most players in the world either don't see or wouldn't attempt. So, while we want goals and assists, the Reds need him to play with this confidence and flair as often as possible.
Alexander Isak, Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike and more all benefit when our No. 7 is at the height of his powers.
Shining for his nation in such a crucial fixture should only buoy his confidence and have him returning to England feeling strong about where his game is at. He knows he still has it.
He played on the left of the attack again, but his versatility will allow him to thrive anywhere as needed, but for now, this vintage Florian Wirtz outing should give all Liverpool supporters a boost when they think of what is to come.