Florian Wirtz’s potential transfer to Liverpool is among the most discussed and surprising moves of the summer.
Previously speculated as a future signing for Bayern Munich or even Manchester City, Wirtz’s connection to Liverpool has taken fans worldwide by surprise.
Should this transfer materialize, German football legend Philipp Lahm expresses confidence in his ability to thrive under Arne Slot.
In a personal article for The Athletic, Lahm elaborated on why this signing would be beneficial for both Wirtz and Liverpool.
“The playing style there emphasizes speed, verticality, and a clear distribution of roles within the team, which should suit him perfectly,” Lahm stated.
Drawing a comparison between Wirtz and another young German talent, Jamal Musiala, Lahm noted, “Wirtz is not merely content to participate in the attacking play; he aims to be its pivotal element.
He is more direct and focused. He waits for the right moments and can change the tempo of a match with a single touch or pass.
“Wirtz primarily operates as an attacking midfielder for both his national team and Bayer Leverkusen.
He is also capable of playing as a center forward or a second striker in specific formations. If he transfers to Liverpool, Arne Slot might utilize him in the number 10 role, akin to how Dominik Szoboszlai is employed.
Alternatively, he could lead the attack in place of Luis DÃaz, Darwin Núñez, or Cody Gakpo, or play just behind them in another tactical setup.
Lahm does emphasize Wirtz’s need for physical development. A prevalent theme for any European player transitioning to the Premier League is the necessity to adjust to the league’s physical demands. The pace is significantly quicker, and in just two actions, a player could find themselves in a position threatening your goal.
Lahm reminded fans of his own struggles against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League this past season and in last year’s Europa League final against Atalanta. If Wirtz does not enhance his physicality, the league’s pace could hinder his first season in England.
Wirtz struggled against Portugal this week in the UEFA Nations League semifinals despite scoring the opening goal in the second half.
He struggled to get any rhythm going against a high-intensity side. Once Roberto Martinez brought on Vitinha, Nélson Semedo and Francisco Conceição, the script was flipped as Cristiano Ronaldo fired his country into the final.
If Wirtz does play as a 10, he’ll have blistering pace and technical quality around him. Mohamed Salah, coming off a historic season, will be given more space to operate on the right with Wirtz patrolling in and around the box.
The German would also have the comfort of playing with Jeremie Frimpong who signed for Liverpool earlier this summer.
The former Leverkusen defender replaced Trent Alexander-Arnold following his move to Real Madrid.