Klopp's warm embrace for Wirtz after first goal of the season with Germany

Florian Wirtz delivered his best performance of the season this Sunday as Germany beat Serbia. The Liverpool playmaker, far from his best level since arriving at Anfield, scored his first goal of the current campaign, struck the woodwork and captained his country for the first time. When the match ended, Jürgen Klopp went straight to him and shared the kind of hug that sums up the player's relief after a difficult period.

• Wirtz scored his first goal of the campaign in the 52nd minute against Serbia.
• He hit the post in the 39th minute and Bischof converted the rebound to open the scoring.
• He wore the Germany captain's armband for the first time after Gnabry was substituted.
• Klopp waited for him at full-time to embrace him and congratulate him.

Wirtz ends his goal drought with the German national team

Wirtz's start to the season at Liverpool had produced a poor return for a player of his talent: no goals and just one assist. Those numbers contrast sharply with what he showed at Bayer Leverkusen, where he established himself as one of the brightest prospects in European football. Klopp nonetheless included him in the second group of 22 players called up for this international window, and the attacking midfielder responded with a strong showing from the start.

A playmaker's display that lifts Liverpool's hopes

Wirtz partnered Woltemade in attack, although his actual role was that of a number ten, slightly withdrawn from the forward line. That position allowed him to drift between the lines and link midfield with the final third, where he does most of his damage. In the 39th minute he produced the moment of the match: he received from Pavlovic in a tight space, brought the ball down, beat his man with a croqueta and fired a shot off the post. Bischof was first to the rebound and made no mistake to give Germany the lead.

A first taste of the Germany captaincy he will never forget

The second half brought a special moment for the Liverpool forward. When Gnabry was replaced, Wirtz inherited the armband and led Germany for the first time in his career. Rather than being weighed down by the responsibility, he looked comfortable, influential and sharp in the final third. In the 52nd minute he got his reward: the second and final goal of the game, and his first since the season began.

With that strike, Wirtz now has 13 goals for the German national team. The goal wrapped up the win and handed him back some of the confidence he had been missing at Liverpool in recent months.

Klopp looks after his player: the hug at full-time

The Germany head coach knows perfectly well that Wirtz is not enjoying his best spell in England. That is why his gesture after the Serbia match carried extra weight: Klopp went directly to the midfielder, embraced him and congratulated him on his completed performance. A clear show of faith in a player meant to be a difference-maker who is still searching for his finest form.

It is something special. It was not really on my to-do list, but it fills you with pride.

The player spoke to reporters in the mixed zone and made no secret of his satisfaction at having worn the Germany armband. The challenge now is to carry those feelings into his daily work at Liverpool, where fans are still waiting to see the player who dazzled in the Bundesliga.

A turning point to relaunch his career at Anfield?

The goal against Serbia could mark an inflection point for Wirtz in a season that had started off on the wrong foot. His quality has never been in question, but adapting to English football and the demands of Liverpool had taken their toll. After leading Germany with a goal, the armband and an eye-catching display, there is growing belief at Anfield that this international break will bring back the spark that once made him one of Europe's most wanted players.