This summer has witnessed significant football transfers, yet none have been as notable as Florian Wirtz’s transfer to Liverpool.
The German midfielder has excelled at Bayer Leverkusen in recent years, establishing himself as a formidable player for the Bundesliga team.
He has risen to prominence as one of the top young talents globally, but this summer he was enticed away as Arne Slot’s team invested £116m for his acquisition.
This marked the first substantial move made by the manager as he assembles a squad he believes can successfully defend their Premier League title in the upcoming season. Consequently, there was considerable excitement surrounding Wirtz and his transition to Anfield.
Fans have now had a second chance to see him in a Liverpool jersey after he participated in a match against AC Milan on Saturday afternoon.
The attacking midfielder made his debut start for the club, playing the first half of the game, but was substituted at halftime as Slot’s team suffered a 4-2 defeat to the Serie A side.
Nevertheless, the first half was sufficient for fans to form their opinions on Wirtz, and they have been quick to express their thoughts on social media following the release of highlights from his inaugural start.
Although pre-season matches lack the intensity associated with competitive games once the season commences, they provide fans with an opportunity to preview their club’s latest signings.
This was evident for Liverpool supporters during the match against AC Milan, where they observed Wirtz representing the club for the second time.
He participated only in the first half, yet he offered ample discussion points. Despite the club’s defeat, the fans were largely impressed with the young star, and highlights of his performance have gone viral on social media.
Supporters expressed their opinions on social media platforms, with one user commenting on X (Twitter): “The Premier League isn’t prepared for this generational talent,” while another expressed admiration, stating: “I am here to tell you that Wirtz is a proper bargain for Liverpool.”
A third fan remarked: “Wirtz is a wizard. The manner in which he can create opportunities from nothing is remarkable. His quick pass release is impressive. He can deliver passes effortlessly. An unpredictable player, adept in confined spaces, and excellent at carrying the ball.
A fantastic number 10.”Conversely, a fourth supporter was somewhat more cautious, noting: “Wirtz played as a false 9 today, so he didn’t have much of the ball, but we witnessed his potential when he did have it,” while a final fan succinctly stated: “Wirtz was brilliant.”