Wirtz shone with two assists as Germany thrashed Slovakia 6-0.

Florian Wirtz made a significant impact with two assists for Leroy Sane in Germany's 6-0 victory over Slovakia, helping Julian Nagelsmann's team secure their place at the 2026 World Cup. At a time when his underwhelming performances at Liverpool were causing controversy, this match served as a strong response to the 21-year-old midfielder's organizational skills.

Two assists for Leroy Sane shaped the game.

In the first half, Wirtz took on the role of "orchestrator," increasing the tempo of the game and initiating layers of passing combinations that caused Slovakia to collapse from the outset. He provided two assists for Sane, laying the groundwork for a 4-0 lead before halftime.

The first assist came from a build-up play from their own half: Wirtz received the ball, played a quick one-two with Nick Woltemade, then unleashed a long pass that ripped through the entire defense, putting Sane one-on-one with the goalkeeper and scoring. Just five minutes later, Wirtz continued to demonstrate his sharp vision with a cross from the left flank, curling the ball to the far post for Sane to cleverly tap it in with the outside of his right foot, increasing the score.

This is the version of Wirtz that Liverpool fans expected when the club signed him for a record fee in July: quick decision-making, neat technique, bold passing, and accuracy in areas where he can make a difference.

Tactical angle: Cut into the center from the left wing.

A standout tactical detail was how Wirtz started from the left wing and then cut inside to play with his preferred foot. This movement structure opened up a long diagonal pass in the first instance and created an angle for a cross into the far post in the second. Both plays occurred when he was allowed to leave the touchline, received the ball in half-space, and had a full view of the opposing defender's body.

This is particularly noteworthy considering that at Liverpool, Wirtz has often been deployed on the left wing but hasn't been able to maximize his potential. The match against Slovakia showed that if allowed to move inwards with proper support, he can consistently create chances from the wing instead of just "standing on the wing".

Liverpool's numbers and context

Since the start of the season with Liverpool, Wirtz has only managed 3 assists in 16 games and has yet to score a goal. Competition in midfield from Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, and Alexis Mac Allister has left him with little time in a central role. This has contributed to questions about how manager Arne Slot is using Wirtz.

The two assists against Slovakia were a reminder that when placed in the right position and role, Wirtz can increase the tempo, break through defensive blocks, and directly impact the scoreline. With a German team functioning smoothly, Wirtz returns as a clear catalyst in the midfield and left half.

Immediate impact: Suggestions for Arne Slot

The 6-0 victory and the 2026 World Cup qualification were a collective milestone, but Wirtz's ability to create space was a valuable tactical detail for Liverpool. His consistent drifts into the center from the left wing suggest using Wirtz as a creative hub in midfield, rather than a fixed winger. With Liverpool's upcoming schedule quite packed, a Wirtz who is "rediscovering himself" will give the Reds more variation and energy in the creative zone.

There were no flashy displays or moments of individual brilliance that defied tactical logic: just the right choices, at the right time and in the right place. That's precisely the standard Liverpool expects from Wirtz in the crucial next phase.

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