Liverpool Target Florian Wirtz is one of the most exciting prospects in world football, and his former coach spoke with fellow countryman and Arsenal Vooruit Kai Havertz previously
Comparisons between Liverpool -target Florian Wirtz and Arsenal -star Kai Havertz were once closed by the former coach of the Young Bayer Leverkusen -star. Fast forward to today, and the German midfielder certainly has the attention to him around his potential switch to Anfield.
The 22-year-old is supposed to have rejected offers from Bayern Munich and Manchester City, who apparently pointed his sights on Liverpool as his preferred movement. The side of Arne Slot submitted a stunning range of £ 109 million, but that was knocked back by Leverkusen, with still discussions.
While Wirtz is being tipped for a switch to the Premier League champions, comparisons are made with his countryman, Havertz.
Wirtz made his name in 2020 as the youngest debutant of Leverkusen ever and stepped into the boots of Havertz after his switch to Chelsea that year.
The challenge of becoming a more than worthy replacement for Havertz, who was previously the youngest player of Leverkusen ever, ensured that Wirtz had to be considered heavily in the shadow of his international teammate, reports the Liverpool Echo.
In 2021 talking to Sportbild, he said the comparisons helped instead of obstructing his progress. “It motivates me to be even better than Kai,” he said. “I always want to be the best and I hate to lose. I've always been like that.”
While rumors warm up on Wirtz near Havertz in England, they bring a renewed focus on the similarities between their career.
Nevertheless, the former U17 National Coach for Germany, Christian Wuck, who previously worked with Wirtz, once urged to put too much expectation on the player's shoulders.
“I don't know if you should already compare him with Kai, a current top player in Germany,” Wuck told the goal in 2020. “My tip: just let the boy play!”
If Liverpool successfully conquering a deal for Wirtz, they will also pack a player with three “special” qualities, his ex-coach has claimed.
“Flo is incredibly intelligent,” Wuck added. “What makes him so special and what distinguishes him from many other youth players is his excellent training in basic technology.
“He is two feet and has an incredibly good technique. He recognizes situations on the field within a very short time and draws the right conclusions.”
The buzz around Wirtz who may move to Liverpool has been dramatically escalated in recent weeks. Reports from Bild in Germany suggest that he has agreed a five -year contract with the Reds, while Leverkusen is playing hardball for a fee in the region of their appreciation of € 150 million (£ 125 million).