Florian Wirtz told he would suit Barcelona amid Liverpool scrutiny

Germany legend Oliver Bierhoff believes Florian Wirtz would be well suited to Barcelona as the Liverpool playmaker continues to face scrutiny over his start to the season.

Bierhoff's comments are an assessment of where Wirtz's qualities could flourish rather than an indication that a transfer is being discussed. There is no suggestion in the supplied reporting that Liverpool are considering selling the 23-year-old or that Barcelona are pursuing him.

Wirtz joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen last summer in a deal reported to be worth up to £116million including add-ons, but has so far managed one assist in six club appearances.

Bierhoff identified Hansi Flick's Barcelona as a team whose style and personnel could complement the Germany international.

“Wirtz would fit in well, for example, at Hansi Flick's Barcelona, where he’ll have space and fantastic teammates,” Bierhoff said.

The former Germany striker nevertheless described Wirtz as a “world-class player” and suggested the immediate challenge is demonstrating that quality consistently.

His remarks come amid debate over Wirtz's performances at Liverpool, including criticism from Jamie Carragher following his display against Bournemouth before the international break.

There is nothing in Bierhoff's comments to suggest Wirtz himself is looking for a move away from Anfield.

International duty has provided Wirtz with an opportunity to rediscover some momentum.

He scored against Serbia and earned praise from Germany manager Jurgen Klopp, who highlighted both the midfielder's qualities and his work rate.

“The way we want to play fits Flo Wirtz,” Klopp said. “I believe that everyone in Liverpool is very happy today. The boy is bursting with joy for the game and has worked his butt off.”

Klopp was also pleased with Germany's collective performance, particularly their pressing, positioning and willingness to defend aggressively from the front.

For Wirtz, the productive international break offers encouragement before attention returns to his performances for Liverpool.

Wirtz's task is to translate his encouraging displays for Germany into greater influence under Andoni Iraola at club level.

One assist from six Liverpool appearances represents a relatively modest statistical return following such a significant transfer, although it remains an early stage of his second season in English football.

Liverpool face Manchester City this weekend, with Wirtz expected to remain in contention for the starting XI.

His international commitments are finished for October before Germany face Serbia and the Netherlands again during the November break.

Wirtz now returns to Liverpool ahead of the Premier League meeting with Manchester City. That begins another important run of club matches in which the 23-year-old will look to reproduce the influence he has recently shown for Germany. His next scheduled international fixtures come against Serbia and the Netherlands in November.