As switch hypothesis heats up throughout Europe, few names are producing extra intrigue amongst Liverpool supporters than Florian Wirtz. On a latest episode of Media Issues on AnfieldIndex Professional, Bundesliga knowledgeable Ninad Barbadikar joined host Dave Davis to dissect the rising hyperlinks between Liverpool and two of Bayer Leverkusen’s most coveted stars: Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz.
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Whereas Frimpong has rightly drawn consideration for his electrical tempo and attacking thrust, it was Wirtz who commanded the deeper admiration from Barbadikar. And rightly so.
Wirtz is Germany’s Crown Jewel
“Completely,” Barbadikar responded when requested if Wirtz is among the many stars of German soccer. “There’s no questioning that.” He didn’t hesitate in putting Wirtz alongside Jamal Musiala as “two of the largest stars at the moment in German soccer.”
Having made his debut for Bayer Leverkusen in 2020, Wirtz has blossomed right into a inventive lynchpin underneath Xabi Alonso. “Within the final couple of years he’s simply gone to a special stage,” Barbadikar noticed, highlighting the attacking midfielder’s evolution. With 16 targets and 13 assists throughout main competitions, Wirtz’s output matches his promise.
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Barbadikar additionally underlined how Wirtz’s affect goes past statistics. “He impacts all phases of play for Leverkusen,” he stated, noting that the participant not solely creates possibilities but in addition features as “that connective tissue between midfield and assault.”
Why Liverpool?
In keeping with Barbadikar, the enchantment for Liverpool is multi-faceted. “It’s probably not about cash for Wirtz,” he defined. “It’s concerning the venture the place he could be profitable, win essentially the most trophies.” This aligns intently with Liverpool’s present ambitions underneath new supervisor Arne Slot.
Photograph: IMAGO
Barbadikar believes Wirtz “would search the precise venture to develop,” and with Manchester Metropolis reportedly pulling out of the race, Liverpool seem poised to capitalise. “It does seem to be there’s a two-horse race for him between Liverpool and Bayern,” he stated, earlier than including an important perception: “It will likely be in Leverkusen’s curiosity to promote him off to a workforce outdoors of the Bundesliga.”
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If Wirtz have been to decide on Merseyside, he wouldn’t simply fill a gap within the squad. He would elevate the complete attacking unit. Barbadikar imagines him enjoying “in entrance of Mac Allister and Gravenberch” or in a freer function “on the left,” relying on system flexibility.
The Numbers Again the Hype
Barbadikar pointed to Wirtz’s bodily knowledge to assist his declare that the participant is greater than a conventional quantity 10. “He’s all the time within the charts when it comes to sprints, duels gained,” he stated. “Wirtz is phenomenal as a playmaker… but in addition, , off the ball he provides his workforce a lot.”
The knowledgeable likened Wirtz’s all-round means to none apart from Kevin De Bruyne. “I see him lots in the identical mild,” he admitted, and questioned why Manchester Metropolis have been so fast to step apart.
Remaining Ideas from the Podcast
This wasn’t idle hypothesis. Barbadikar’s insights got here from years of monitoring Bundesliga stars and understanding tactical frameworks. His enthusiasm was clear: “He’s simply so good at all the pieces,” he concluded. “He’s going to go straight to the highest of the sport.”
It’s uncommon {that a} participant combines technical brilliance, tactical maturity, and an elite mindset at such a younger age. If Liverpool can persuade Wirtz that Anfield is the place he ought to proceed his improvement, they gained’t simply be signing a footballer. They’ll be investing in a future legend.
