Liverpool broke the bank to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for £116million, with the 22-year-old already showing he has the character to thrive at the highest level
Football recruitment often hinges on the finances, but understanding the true character of a player is a different ball game. Thankfully, Liverpool fans have already been given a glimpse into the temperament of new signing Florian Wirtz.
The Merseysiders have splashed out an initial £100million for Wirtz, potentially rising to £116m, and set a new British transfer record. The 22-year-old played a key role in Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga title win under Liverpool legend Xabi Alonso last year, although this season saw the German crown return to Bayern Munich.
And it was during a Champions League round-of-16 match between the two German juggernauts that Wirtz revealed a bit more about his personality. However, it had nothing to do with his performance on the pitch.
TV cameras caught his reaction on the bench after he was substituted while his team were losing 3-0 at the Allianz Arena back in March. Both Wirtz and close pal Jeremie Frimpong, who has also made the move to Anfield this summer, were taken off with the first-leg result seemingly decided.
But the reactions of Liverpool’s new pair on the Leverkusen bench were markedly different. While footage showed Frimpong staring blankly, Wirtz didn’t hide his frustrations moments after being withdrawn as he reacted to his team’s impending defeat that ultimately led to their Champions League exit.
With only nine minutes left on the clock, the maestro couldn’t contain his frustration and unleashed a tirade at his team-mate. Wirtz was visibly enraged, spitting and burying his face in his hands in fury, acutely aware that he, or perhaps his team, had not measured up in this crucial moment.
The Liverpool Echo reports how the incident is telling of the high standards Wirtz sets, not just for himself but for those around him, too. He’s previously lauded Liverpool as one of the “top three clubs in the world,” highlighting his ambition for what could be achieved in future years.
In an era where young footballers are often slated for lacking grit due to their hefty pay packages, Wirtz showed he doesn’t fit that stereotype. And his reaction to being taken off, even during a heavy loss, underscores his relentless desire to make an impact on the pitch at all times.
He’ll undoubtedly be demanding excellence under Arne Slot, who’s already making his mark on the squad this summer. The prompt acquisition of Frimpong softens the blow of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure and provides Wirtz with a familiar face in the changing room.
Meanwhile, the Reds are nearing a £40m deal for Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez. The Hungarian sensation has been turning heads with his stellar displays on the south coast and seems poised to take over from Andy Robertson at Anfield in the long run.
Slot seems to be keen on bolstering his defensive line-up, with Marc Guehi also believed to be back in Liverpool’s sights. Jarell Quansah could well be off to Leverkusen, and Crystal Palace’s star defender Guehi is tipped to replace him should that be the case.
The Bundesliga has been dominated by a couple of teams in recent years, but Wirtz could face stiffer competition in England. This means he’ll need to be at his best to help Liverpool maintain top spot, especially with Arsenal and Manchester City poised to surge again this coming campaign.
Supporters shouldn’t worry about the quality Wirtz will bring once he starts playing in Merseyside. And it seems they can also rest assured of the player’s determination to excel at every opportunity.
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