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Returning to His Best Form in a Familiar Role

Germany’s dominant 6–0 win over Slovakia offered a clear reminder of how Florian Wirtz performs when used in a role that suits him, and this was also a moment many fans followed closely through platforms like Cricket Exchange. Under Julian Nagelsmann’s guidance, Wirtz looked completely at ease, producing two assists while operating in the advanced-left channel where he naturally thrives. The match didn’t just highlight individual brilliance; it showed how a familiar positional setup can immediately restore confidence.

Returning to His Best Form in a Familiar RoleNagelsmann deployed a 4-2-3-1 system with Wirtz starting nominally on the left, though his influence spread far beyond the touchline. He routinely drifted into central pockets to dictate tempo, allowing full-back David Raum to push high as a temporary winger. This structure placed Wirtz at the core of Germany’s ball progression, with most controlled sequences flowing through him. On the opposite side, Leroy Sané provided vertical threat and direct running, balancing the tactical shape. Wirtz’s freedom to drop deep when needed also proved crucial, especially when Slovakia pressed aggressively and Germany needed someone calm enough to settle possession.

His awareness and timing were on full display during Sané’s goal, which came from a perfectly weighted long pass that sliced through the defense. To further protect Wirtz from heavy challenges, Nagelsmann paired him with tall striker Waldemar Waltemathe. Their combinations, including short one-twos and wall passes, worked smoothly because Waltemathe’s hold-up play created valuable space. His ability to pin defenders not only opened passing lanes but also reduced the physical load on Wirtz, ensuring he wasn’t constantly crowded by opponents.

High pressing also showcased their chemistry. When Germany regained possession near the box, Waltemathe often acted as a moving shield, using his size to block defenders so Wirtz could deliver crosses or through balls from the half-space. One sequence resembled a basketball-style screen, with Waltemathe clearing the lane for Wirtz to assist Sané again. It was a reminder that football tactics often borrow subtle ideas from other sports, and Cricket Exchange discussions highlighted how this partnership shaped Germany’s attacks.

The final takeaway from this performance is how structured and coherent Germany look under Nagelsmann. A strong target man provides the focal point, Wirtz orchestrates from the left, Sané and Serge Gnabry offer direct threat, while Goretzka and Pavlović act as both defensive shields and secondary distributors. Unlike teams that appear disorganized or overly reactive, Germany displayed clarity in every phase of play, suggesting a blueprint that could carry them into next year’s World Cup with real confidence.

Cricket Exchange becomes relevant again when comparing Wirtz’s national team comfort to his struggles at Liverpool, where the tactical setup often leaves him wandering without a defined role. At club level, he is shifted between central, left, and right positions without being treated as the creative anchor. Liverpool’s forwards also operate with a more individualistic mindset: Salah prefers finishing himself, Cody Gakpo and Hugo Ekitike cut inside to shoot, and Isak is still adapting to the league. None function as a true target man willing to create space the way Waltemathe does. Without that complementary support, Wirtz rarely receives the freedom he enjoys with Germany, making the difference in performance as clear as day.

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