Marko Marin's praise of Florian Wirtz makes Liverpool star shine

German international Florian Wirtz of Liverpool has received high praise, which he can especially be pleased about. Former German international Marko Marin said on RTL/Sky Sport after the 3-1 victory of the DFB team in the Nations League match in Serbia on Friday that Wirtz is “an exceptional player.” Marin added that the 23-year-old Liverpool man will remain very important for the German national team in the coming years and will become “ever better” at Liverpool.

Marin's Career and Current Position

Marin explained that he had revealed in a 2024 Spiegel interview that the former Bundesliga star from Borussia Mönchengladbach and Werder Bremen had once been his great idol. Wirtz reported that he wore a Werder jersey with Marin's name, was fascinated by his dribbling and goal threat and could identify with him. Marin confirmed in his words that he is Wirtz's great idol and said, “Nice to hear that,” adding that he is often approached about it and is proud to be praised by a player of this level. The 37-year-old Marin played a total of 16 international matches for Germany between 2008 and 2010, scored one goal, was part of the 2010 World Cup squad and made two brief appearances there. He left the Bundesliga in 2012, moved to Chelsea, could not establish himself there and subsequently had spells in Spain, Italy, Belgium, Turkey, Greece, Serbia, Saudi Arabia and Hungary before ending his career in 2022.

Marin further emphasized that he believes Wirtz is already much better than himself, and praised him as an instinctive footballer, dribbler and sensational player between the lines.

Rain in Belgrade lets German national team shine – Wirtz and Gruda shape the win

On Friday evening in Belgrade, Wirtz produced an elegant move to make it 2:0 for the side of national team coach Jürgen Klopp, his 13th goal in his 49th international match for Liverpool.

Since April 2023, Marin has been technical director at Serbian top club Red Star Belgrade. When asked whether he would like to take on responsibilities at a Bundesliga club in the future, he answered that he does not plan to do so for now, that he is satisfied in Belgrade and finds the Bundesliga always interesting and one of the best leagues in Europe.

The Little Maracaná revels at Wirtz's goal in the Nations League