Overview

• Germany opened World Cup qualifying with a 2-0 loss to Slovakia in Bratislava, a match where Wirtz drew sharp reviews from the German press.
• Wirtz was labelled “almost invisible” by multiple outlets, with analysts noting a turnover that preceded Slovakia’s opening goal.
• Julian Nagelsmann questioned his team’s “emotionality” after the defeat and suggested future selections could prioritize effort over pure quality.
• Arne Slot framed Wirtz’s late withdrawal against Arsenal as cramp and part of adapting to the league’s intensity, saying it was a “welcome to the Premier League.”
• Wirtz has no goals or assists in his first three Premier League appearances for Liverpool, a slow start Lothar Matthäus says will give way as the 22-year-old acclimates.