Nagelsmann defends Wirtz amid slow Liverpool start

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann defended Florian Wirtz on Sunday, saying the 22-year-old's slow start at Liverpool is part of an adjustment to the Premier League and that his club form should not be judged solely on goals and assists. Nagelsmann made the remarks after Germany's 4-0 World Cup qualifying win over Luxembourg and ahead of Monday's match in Belfast.

Wirtz joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer for a fee reported to exceed 100 million pounds. He arrived with a strong Bundesliga record, including 16 goals and 15 assists in 45 appearances last season and career totals of 57 goals and 65 assists in 197 matches for Leverkusen. At Anfield, however, he has struggled to make the expected statistical impact, failing to record a Premier League goal or assist this season; his only competitive contribution for Liverpool to date came as an early assist in the Community Shield.

Nagelsmann, who started Wirtz in Germany's win over Luxembourg, said the midfielder remains among the club's most creative players and that his teammates' finishing has shaped perceptions of his form. "Even if he hasn't scored a goal, he is the player who creates among the most chances,"...