'Best player on the pitch' - National media blown away by Liverpool star's performance last night

Florian Wirtz delivered an imperious performance as Germany came out on the right side a seven-goal thriller against Switzerland.

The friendly proved highly entertaining, with Julian Nagelsmann’s side earning a 4-3 win. Wirtz was undoubtedly DFB’s talisman at St Jakob Park as he was at the double and recorded two assists.

The Liverpool attacking midfielder created goals for Jonathan Tah and Serge Gnabry before half-time. He was then on target in the 61st minute with a sublime finish. Wirtz picked up a short corner on the left-hand side of the box and curled an effort into the top corner. And with five minutes remaining, he netted the winning goal with a composed finish from the edge of the area.

Despite there being nothing on the line, with Germany already qualified for this summer’s World Cup, it would have been a confidence-boosting victory. And Wirtz, who has had somewhat of a soft launch in his maiden Liverpool season since a £100 million transfer from Bayer Leverkusen, should also gain belief.

The German press were all highly impressed with the 23-year-old’s performance. Rather than a player rating score of one to 10, the media in the country hand out marks from five (being the lowest) to one. And Wirtz recorded the best score across the board.

The Frankfurter Rundschau said: “With his dribbling, he was the most active player in attack. He also set up the equalizer after a short corner and, just before halftime, the 2-2 with an outstanding through ball. He then scored the 3-2 with a stunning goal into the top corner, and the 4-3 goal was equally impressive. Best player on the pitch.”

Munich-based newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung commented: “Even before his two stunning goals, he was the best German player, not only because he had already set up the first two goals, including Gnabry's equalizer with an exceptionally beautiful pass. He has overcome his post-Liverpool slump and is showing glimpses of the old Florian Wirtz again at Anfield. The German national team will desperately need his ball control, dribbling skills, and intelligent passing in the USA. He completely dominated the game, especially in the second half. Gregor Kobel initially prevented him from scoring, but then unleashed an incredibly precise and unstoppable shot from the left edge of the penalty area into the top right corner (photo), reminiscent of William Tell's famous strike to the apple. He crowned his extraordinary performance with his second stunning goal, again into the top right corner, for a 4-3 victory.”

The highly reputable outlet BILD added: “Wow, Wirtz! Our linchpin in attack. A beautiful one-two with Havertz, a strong cross from midfield before the 1-1 equaliser, a great pass to Gnabry before the 2-2. Involved in almost every chance after the break as well. A fantastic goal in the 61st minute. His second goal sealed the victory.”

Meanwhile, Der Spiegel said: “The best German player. He was a whirlwind on the left wing, especially at the beginning, and his technical skills were often simply a joy to watch, always striving for intelligent passes. He was directly involved in all four German goals (two assists, two goals). An outstanding performance from the Liverpool player. His goal to make it 3-2 was particularly brilliant.”

Sport1 concluded: “Simply outstanding! Involved in all of Germany's goals! He was brimming with enthusiasm and set up his teammates brilliantly on several occasions: Havertz with a beautiful one-two (13th minute), later Raum (20th minute), and Goretzka (59th minute). It was only logical that he set up both of Germany's first-half goals: a beautiful cross to Tah (26th minute), and his through ball to Gnabry was world-class – you couldn't play it any better (45th minute). A stroke of genius for the 3-2 – he wanted it exactly like that. The final goal for 4-3 was also a real treat (86th minute). Rating: 1.”

Liverpool will hope Wirtz can continue his form for the rest of the season. The Reds are back in action when they face Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals at the Etihad Stadium next Saturday.