Florian Wirtz arrived at Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen last summer in a then-British record £116m deal, but failed to meet expectations.
## What happened?
Wirtz played a key role in Germany's 7-1 win against Curacao in their World Cup opener, creating the opening goal for Felix Nmecha with a delicate touch.
He had 39 touches in the final third, instrumental as Germany ran riot.
Former England striker Chris Sutton praised Wirtz's performance, saying he looked happy and unburdened in a German jersey.
## Why it matters for Florian Wirtz
Wirtz's display will have been a welcome sight for Liverpool fans, who have been waiting for him to replicate his Bayer Leverkusen form.
Andoni Iraola will hope to lift the weight off Wirtz's shoulders at Liverpool.
Wirtz played on the left, perhaps giving Iraola food for thought, especially as Cody Gakpo had a poor season in that position.
## What comes next?
Iraola will be intrigued by what he saw from Wirtz in the World Cup game and will look to find a settled position for the German to release his talent.
Wirtz has only just turned 23, and Liverpool still have huge hopes for the gifted attacking player.
The context of the game must be considered, as it was against a side ranked 82nd in the world, but Wirtz showed some golden touches.
But Wirtz's performance will have given Iraola a glimpse of what he can achieve with the right guidance.
So Wirtz will be looking to build on this performance and make a breakthrough at Liverpool.
And with Iraola at the helm, Wirtz may finally be able to fulfill his potential.