Liverpool Transfer Business Review Success in the summer market Was this window a success or a failure? Without doubt, a massive success. The club signed world-class players in key positions to automatically make the squad stronger. With the additions of Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike, they now boast one of the most formidable […]

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Northern Ireland succumbed to a 3-1 defeat by Germany on Saturday night as two Reds went head to head in Cologne.

Florian Wirtz and Conor Bradley may be teammates at Anfield, but they were on opposite sides during the World Cup qualifier, and it was the former who came out on top, scoring a sensational free-kick to help seal a win.

Northern Ireland was the clear underdog going into the game, despite Germany's recent struggles, and the team gave a good account of itself in defeat. Liverpool defender Bradley was tasked with playing at right wing-back, and received praise for his performance from Northern Ireland-based reporters.

Belfast Live handed Bradley a seven out of 10 in its player ratings, saying he produced an "energetic display," while the Belfast Telegraph awarded the youngster an eight ouf ot 10, saying: "Like his comrades, was expected to perform a deeper role against better opponents. Needed treatment for facial injury.

"Was part of disciplined defense in first half, made some big tackles and eventually booked for challenge on Gross."

Bradley was disappointed with the defeat as he felt as though the team deserved to take something from the game.

“We’re disappointed,” said Bradley. “They are a good team but I thought we played well on the night, especially in the first half, and I’m disappointed because I thought we should have got more than that.

“I don’t think they were overly great on the night. I don’t think we lost because they were brilliant. I thought we lost because obviously the goals weren’t great that we conceded.”

Wirtz's stunning free-kick rubber-stamped Die Mannschaft's victory, and while Bradley recognized the quality on show from his club teammate, he didn't believe the free-kick should have been awarded in the first place.

Florian Wirtz scored a great free-kick (Image: 2025 Getty Images)

“The third one was a brilliant free-kick by Flo,” he admitted. “But I don’t think it was a free-kick.

"So, it’s disappointing but we will see them in Belfast in a month’s time.”

The goal will no doubt be a welcome boost to Wirtz's confidence after a few weeks during which he has been firmly under the spotlight.

Wirtz's transfer fee was always going to mean that he would be scrutinized at Liverpool, particularly during the early weeks of his Reds career.

Despite his great goal against Northern Ireland, the quality of Wirtz's overall display on the night was questioned by some German media outlets, with one even suggesting he had forgotten the joy of playing soccer.

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Liverpool duo Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo both played the full 90 minutes for the Netherlands on Sunday in a tricky fixture for the Dutch — a narrow victory over Lithuania.

Two goals up and cruising, the Netherlands let slip that 2-0 lead before half-time. Memphis Depay was then needed to edge his side in front again in the second half when he became his country's highest-ever goalscorer, overtaking Robin van Persie.

And Van Dijk and Gakpo received contrasting verdicts from the Dutch media following the game. Gakpo played well, setting up the opening goal and hitting the crossbar in the second half, but Van Dijk was criticized slightly.

National paper De Telegraaf was quick to praise Gakpo, giving the Liverpool winger a rating of 7/10 and labeling him "once again the best player" despite Depay netting a brace.

Gakpo was described as being "the solution" for the Netherlands, even if Lithuania was doubling up on him. The Liverpool ace was a valuable attacker in keeping possession and dragging his team up the pitch.

Van Dijk was awarded a 6.5/10 rating. The 34-year-old "didn't do anything spectacular" and was "lucky" that an error did not lead to a goal, with other Dutch outlets in agreement.

Cody Gakpo on Netherlands duty, speaking to ESPN in September 2025

Algemeen Dagblad gave the captain a rating of just 5/10, saying how he was almost the reason they let a two-goal lead slip away.

And Football Oranje said he "struggled" quite a lot throughout the game and that it was "not his finest evening".

The latter said Gakpo was the "biggest threat" for his side. Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, meanwhile, was an unused substitute, which is no bad thing for Liverpool as he will be better rested.

The Netherlands are now top of their qualifying group, level on points with Poland but having played a game less. In October, they will play Malta and Finland, by which time Jeremie Frimpong should be fit again and able to be involved.

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Elsewhere, Germany beat Conor Bradley's Northern Ireland with Florian Wirtz netting a sensational free-kick. Giorgi Mamardashvili also kept a clean sheet for Georgia as it beat Bulgaria.

Liverpool.com says: Gakpo has had a good start to the season and he is a really strong runner with the ball. He tends to make an impact in the final third too.

Van Dijk, meanwhile, has been excellent for Liverpool in the early parts of the season. He always draws criticism from the Dutch media and pundits, no matter how he plays for his country, and so Arne Slot will be far from concerned.

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Liverpool Star Florian Wirtz Told to “be smarter” by Germany coach Florian Wirtz has quickly become the focus of attention since completing his £116 million move to Liverpool, a British record fee that inevitably brings pressure and scrutiny. The 22-year-old midfielder has shown glimpses of his quality but his contributions so far have been limited, […]

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