German attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz has already been on the radar of a number of clubs and already made the international stage his own with the national team at Euro 2024. But even after a domestic campaign where he starred with Bayer Leverkusen en route to a domestic double, there were still plenty who wanted to see what he could offer at the widely perceived highest level of the game: the Champions League.
A trip to Anfield to face Liverpool therefore gave a glimpse of Wirtz against a truly elite defence and, while the 4-0 scoreline underlines his side being a level below this term, there was plenty to admire in Wirtz’s own game.
First, some context. Liverpool’s start to the season has been extraordinarily good, sitting top of the Premier League – and now the Champions League table too – with Arne Slot enjoying a wonderful beginning to life at Anfield. Part of the reason for that is the new head coach having instilled more control and protection for the last line: with only six conceded, the Reds have the best defensive record in the English top flight.
It’s because of that, though, that this was such a notable test for Florian Wirtz. And, with respect to the first half, there was an impressive aspect to the 21-year-old’s approach – even though this was in a slightly different role to usual.
To try and combat Liverpool’s home advantage and recent form, Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso sacrificed one of his usual support attackers for an extra midfielder; from 3-4-2-1 to 3-5-2, Wirtz therefore operating as essentially the right-sided of two split forwards, Victor Boniface attacking as “striker” from the left. Where he ran directly, Wirtz was more free-roaming: dropping into holes in the channel, picking up the ball to the side of Liverpool’s holding midfielder and generally looking to combine in second-forward fashion with those making the runs beyond him. In a game of two halves, B04 had 57% possession in the first 45 minutes but just 47% in the second as their hosts ran away from them. The German side mustered a total xG value of 0.8, as the red wall stood firm once more.
And yet against this regimented defence, Wirtz showed he still had the tools to pick the locked door – even though it didn’t end in his teammates scoring. He created three chances – only Mohamed Salah managed more in the game – and his cumulative 0.31 xA tally was only bettered by Alejandro Grimaldo (0.42) among his own teammates.
The pick of the bunch and the moment of the game as far as Leverkusen were concerned was a deft flicked ball on the run, through and over two defenders, which saw Wirtz free an away shirt into the box on the bounce – but again no real test for Caoimhin Kelleher materialised.
A couple of shots of his own and touches in the box showed Wirtz’s instinct and intent to make things happen for his team, but the vast majority of his, and Leverkusen’s dangerous moments were grouped into the first half. The only real opening for him to potentially reduce the arrears was a rebound which fell his way five minutes from time, the game already wrapped up by then, and his driven strike was saved by the ‘keeper’s feet.
Those two instances of half-chancery were far from easy to create or take, and spoke volumes as to why Wirtz will once again be in-demand come the summer transfer window. Already he has three goals in Europe this term, and even after this routing of his team he remains above 87% of similar players for non-penalty xG per 90, 85% for shots on target per 90 and 88% for chances created. In the Bundesliga, he can further point to being above 92% for shots on target, 90% for chances, 93% for expected assists and a full 100% for successful passes. He is a superstar already and adding Champions League experience to his early career will only enhance both his reputation and skillset.
Leverkusen will at worst have a playoff spot in Europe; that means ten games he can appear in at this level, nine opponents he can potentially take on for the first time, nine different types of defensive set-ups and individual defenders to go up against, test himself with and try to find the solutions to beat.
As an audition to taking on those top level defences, there was threfore another body of evidence at Anfield that Wirtz’s touch, his movement, his work rate and intelligence to find space are all of the highest order and that there’s doubtless still more to come in his game. He didn’t find the breakthrough against Liverpool on this occasion – but rather than count against him, this season that seems to be the norm for most players. Bochum, Heidenheim, and Salzburg may not fare as well.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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