"He was invisible again", "Always be in Musiala's shadow" - Fans unhappy with Germany star after their 2-0 loss to France

Fans have delivered their verdict on Germany midfielder Florian Wirtz after his performance in his side's 2-0 defeat to France. Die Mannschaft lost for the second time in this international window after falling to a defeat in the UEFA Nations League third-place playoff.

Bayer Leverkusen star Wirtz has been embroiled in the biggest transfer saga of this window, with Liverpool looking to prise him away from his German club. The 22-year-old may shatter the British transfer record to complete a move to Anfield this summer, and the drama surrounding him brought him more into the limelight.

Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann named the talented midfielder in the starting XI for the game after his goal in the semi-final defeat to Portugal. The midfielder could not save his side from a second defeat in succession as he failed to score or assist in the game.

With his performance under increased scrutiny due to his impending move, football fans were unimpressed with the display of the German star. A number of them took to X to call him out for what they termed an underwhelming performance.

A fan accused the midfielder of being invisible in the game.

"Wirtz was invisible again.", they wrote.

Another fan slated Wirtz, pointing out that he exists in the shadow of Jamal Musiala.

"Wirtz you’ll always be in Musiala’s shadow.", they posted.

A fan used the game as justification that the midfielder is overpriced.

"Confirmed Wirtz isn’t worth close to 130 million regardless of whatever Liverpool fans want to say. That signing will be a catastrophe.", they wrote.

Another fan likened him to Jadon Sancho.

"Wirtz gives me Sancho vibes", they posted.

A fan expressed hope that thoughts of the transfer prevented Wirtz from concentrating on the game.

"Hope Wirtz had one eye on his move as he was shambolic today along with his team mates 😂", they wrote.

Florian Wirtz was on the pitch for 90 minutes as his side fell to a defeat at the hands of France. The Bayer Leverkusen star hit the woodwork once and created four chances, more than any other player on either side. He failed to complete a dribble and won just one of nine ground duels, also hitting just one accurate cross from seven attempts.

France pick up vital victory over Germany in Nations League playoff

France ended their UEFA Nations League campaign on a high as they claimed a 2-0 win over Germany in the third-place playoff. Both teams found themselves in the losers' final after losing to Spain and Portugal, respectively, in the last four.

Les Bleus weathered an early storm from Die Mannschaft, including a penalty decision that was reversed by the VAR. They went ahead on the cusp of half-time, with captain Kylian Mbappe cutting in and converting his 50th senior goal for the national team.

In their bid to find an equaliser, Germany committed bodies forward in the second half, allowing their opponents catch them on the break. Mbappe set up substitute Michael Olise to tap home from close range in the 84th minute and seal the win for France.

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