Florian Wirtz, naturally, will only assist Liverpool in maintaining their title as Premier League champions if he joins in the summer – and the supporters at Anfield have now responded to the 22-year-old’s display during Germany’s 2-1 defeat to Portugal on Wednesday.
At the Allianz Arena, the highly coveted attacking midfielder played alongside Leroy Sane and newcomer Nick Woltemade as Die Mannschaft aimed to secure a place in the final of the UEFA Nations League, and he was under the watchful eyes of Liverpool fans.
The Reds, who won the Premier League title in Arne Slot’s maiden campaign with four games remaining, have been laser-focused on securing the youngster’s signature ever since it became apparent that Manchester City and Bayern Munich were not his preference.
A move from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool now seems inevitable – and, according to Mail Online’s German sources, the German playmaker’s move to Anfield is all-but completed. But how did he perform against Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Co?
He is considered one of the most thrilling players in global football for a reason. During the 2024/25 season alone, he scored 16 goals and provided an additional 15 assists in 45 appearances for the Bundesliga team, which was unable to maintain its title as the champions of Germany this year.
A dynamic presence for Julian Nagelsmann’s squad when they were performing well, Wirtz demonstrated his commitment to the team – as shown by his eagerness to maneuver through the opposition.
His goal, which initiated the scoring in Munich, exemplified the characteristics of a box crasher.With assistance from Joshua Kimmich, the Bayer Leverkusen star – widely acknowledged as one of the top players in global football – slipped behind a stationary Portugal defense, seized Kimmich’s lofted pass, and skillfully directed it past a helpless Diogo Costa.
Given his lack of height, which can be advantageous for those who excel in aerial challenges, the Pulheim-born international remained calm and composed as he gently placed the ball into the net.
It required genuine composure – yet Wirtz made it appear effortless.From a statistical perspective, Wirtz delivered impressive numbers: three out of his five dribble attempts were successful, and he triumphed in eight of his 13 ground duels, although his vigorous performance could not secure a victory on home turf.
By floating centrally, he found excellent pockets of space as he sought to move around and create difficulties for the opposition.
Currently, Dominik Szoboszlai occupies Wirtz’s position under Slot, while Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch – two of the finest midfielders in world football at present – form the two-man pivot behind the Hungarian. However, Wirtz is determined to reclaim his position.
Despite rumors indicating that Wirtz was eager to take on the No.10 shirt, which he has worn throughout his tenure at the BayArena, potentially taking it from Mac Allister, he responded by labeling that as false information, as he holds great respect for the Argentine.